There's tension at FC Barcelona. Two of its main strikers, Ferran Torres and Raphinha, are very upset with the board. The reason: the club's recent negotiations to sign Marcus Rashford, a move that's caused an earthquake in the Barça locker room. According to several sources close to the player, Ferran Torres "is monumentally angry."
The Valencian winger feels betrayed by the club, which hasn't informed him at any time about his possible departure. Despite his good performances during last season, the board seems determined to strengthen his position. This has set off the alarm, and Raphinha Dias isn't going through a better moment either.
The Brazilian, who's also fought for a spot in the starting eleven, views the arrival of the Manchester United forward with concern. For both, Rashford's signing represents a clear loss of prominence. Barça's move not only sidelines them, but also casts doubt on their immediate future. The situation has caused internal unrest.
Raphinha and Ferran in danger
Both Ferran and Raphinha feel that the club hasn't been transparent, and neither of them has received explanations or guarantees. The leak of the contacts with Rashford was the last straw. Both expected to have an important role in the new season under Hansi Flick's orders.
However, the sporting management has other plans. With the goal of relaunching the team, Barça is moving aggressively in the market. Rashford is liked for his power, ability to unbalance, and goal-scoring capacity. In addition, his camp has shown a willingness for a change of scenery after a disappointing campaign at Old Trafford. Joan Laporta and Deco have already taken the first step.
Rashford causes discord
The problem is that the arrival of the Englishman would necessarily mean a departure, and Ferran Torres and Raphinha are the ones singled out, the former has a market in the Premier League. The latter, in Arabia, but neither wants to leave. Both want to succeed at Camp Nou, and they don't understand why the club is pushing them out.
Economically, Barça needs to lighten its wage bill. Rashford's signing would only be possible if there are major sales first. That's why moves to place Ferran and Raphinha on the market have already begun. All while they keep training without knowing if they'll be part of the 2025-26 project.
From the environment of both footballers, clarity is being demanded. No one questions that the club wants to strengthen, but the lack of internal communication is being criticized. According to locker room sources, it's been "dirty" and "disloyal," and that feeling could break the harmony of a group that seemed united until recently. FC Barcelona, for now, remains silent, but the enormous tensions are already public. Rashford's arrival has sparked a fire that's going to be hard to put out.