Barça remains focused on its primary goal for this winter market: securing the loan of Marcus Rashford. With only one week left to close the transfer window, the club hasn't lost hope of being able to bring in the English forward.
The operation is complex, but Barça's management continues working on departures to make room for Rashford's arrival in these last days of the market. With the urgent need for a winger, Rashford remains the priority, although time is running out.
Obstacles for Rashford's loan
However, the difficulties in carrying out this operation are evident. Rashford's high salary, which would be around 12 million euros net annually, is a significant barrier for Barça, which was already facing difficulties in complying with Financial Fair Play. Additionally, the need to sell to make room for a new signing further complicates the situation.
Although names like Ansu Fati and Eric García had been mentioned in exit rumors, both players won't be moving in this market. The lack of a sale leaves Barça without clear options to generate salary space and undertake the operation for Rashford, leaving the situation at a dead end.
The rest of Europe, alert to Barça's moves
Meanwhile, across the rest of Europe, clubs continue adjusting their squads and are very alert to Barça's situation. Hansi Flick's team's urgent need to sign a forward has been a recurring theme in the winter market, and many rival teams see this situation as an opportunity.
Barça's uncertainty has put other clubs on alert, which are also looking to strengthen their squads this month. Additionally, many clubs could take advantage of the situation to strengthen from Barça or to sell.
A TOP player from Manchester City offers to play for Barça
In this context, some players have started to offer themselves as viable alternatives for Barcelona in case Rashford gets tired of waiting. One of the names that has started to gain traction is Jeremy Doku, a Belgian forward from Manchester City. Jeremy Doku isn't enjoying the expected prominence in Pep Guardiola's team, and his situation has worsened even more with the star arrival of Omar Marmoush.
According to Diario Sport, the Belgian player has shown interest in joining Barça as a more affordable option than Rashford, even accepting a lower salary. Doku, despite not being the most dazzling name, could be a pragmatic solution for Barcelona, which seeks an offensive reinforcement without exceeding the margins of its financial capacity.
The 21-year-old player, who stands out for his speed and dribbling ability, would offer an interesting alternative to Flick's squad. The possible loan or transfer of Jéremy Doku could be one of the smartest moves in this winter market, given the current context for Barça.