Barcelona May Not Buy Out Rashford, Considering Signing Lyon Winger Malick Fofana

With Lamine Yamal and Bardghji perfectly covering the right-wing needs, Barcelona’s top priority for winger reinforcement next season is locked on the left flank.

The club is currently deciding whether to finally exercise the loan buyout clause for Marcus Rashford. The England international has a high salary, and Manchester United has set a transfer fee of €30 million, so the club is weighing up whether to sign him. Meanwhile, Barcelona is closely monitoring several young European talents as alternative targets for the position.

Ligue 1 is one of the key areas of scouting, and Lyon’s 20-year-old winger Malick Fofana has attracted strong attention from Barcelona’s scouts. According to scouting reports, the Belgian prospect joined the French club from Gent for €19.5 million a year ago, with a contract running until June 2028.

Barcelona has made contact with his agent to explore the feasibility of a transfer. It is well-known that Lyon is facing severe financial difficulties, which have forced them to sell their key players this summer.
Liverpool and Arsenal are the other two teams showing strong interest in Malick Fofana. The technically gifted and fast player is right-footed but excels most as a left winger, while also being capable of playing on the right—though that position is clearly overstaffed.

This season, he has made 12 appearances (888 minutes) in Ligue 1 and the Europa League, contributing 2 goals and 1 assist. His current market value is estimated at €30 million. In the eyes of many insiders, he is gradually emerging as one of the most promising young talents in European football.