Barcelona star could leave after Marcus Rashford signing amid fears he'll be 'phased out' by Hansi Flick
One of Barcelona's most important players could leave following Marcus Rashford's arrival amid suggestions he could be 'phased out' by head coach Hansi Flick.
Rashford recently joined the Catalan giants on a season-long loan from Manchester United.
He made his Barcelona debut in a pre-season friendly against Japanese side Vissel Kobe on Sunday, coming off the bench for a 33-minute cameo.
Barcelona have the option to make the deal permanent next summer for around £26m.
Advert
Rashford has been signed to offer Flick another versatile option in attack as they prepare for a long campaign.
It is expected he will challenge Raphinha for the left-wing spot, or rotate with Lamine Yamal on the right.
The Englishman also offers an alternative to Robert Lewandowski through the middle.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report that Lewandowski is attracting interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi clubs are said to be 'closely monitoring his situation' and 'have sounded out his entourage to find out if he's willing to move this summer'.
Although he has just one year left on his current contract, the report claims Lewandowski has 'no intention of leaving', with his family settled in Barcelona following his £42.5 move from Bayern Munich in 2022.
However, several factors are said to be 'worrying' Barcelona.
Saudi clubs are capable of offering huge wages that could unsettle any player, with Cristiano Ronaldo recently penning a new contract with Al Nassr worth at least £492m.
And as the Saudi Arabian transfer window runs until 23 September - if they want to unsettle the Polish striker - it could become a drawn out saga.
Will Robert Lewandowski leave FC Barcelona?
After scoring 42 goals last season, Lewandowski clearly still has the quality to play at the highest level of European football
However, he struggled with injuries towards the end of the season.
At 36 years old, fitness concerns are likely to grow for both Lewandowski and the Barcelona coaching staff. Mundo Deportivo suggest Lewandowski could be gradually 'phased out' by Flick this season.
The report adds that if Lewandowski 'were to receive an astronomical offer' that would guarantee him more money and a longer contract than at Barcelona, he could leave this summer.
Ferran Torres is seen as the primary back-up option for the Pole and his 19 goal haul last season showed he is more than capable.
Meanwhile, Rashford can play through the middle and is a reliable option if Lewandowski is unavailable.
At Aston Villa, Rashford was selected over Ollie Watkins for their Champions League quarter-final against PSG, in which he impressed.
But most of Rashford's best moments, including the majority of the 2022/23 campaign, all came from the left side of the attack.
Given Raphinha's tendency to drift inside, Barcelona fans may not have to wait long to see Yamal, Raphinha, Rashford and Lewandowski play as a front four.
Although the Pole is most likely to stay in Spain, a move to Saudi Arabia can not be ruled out.
Topics: Marcus Rashford, Robert Lewandowski, Transfer News, La Liga, Saudi Arabia, Football, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, FC Barcelona
James Taylor