Marcus Rashford is willing to take a significant pay cut to help “force through” his dream transfer, and a report now reveals Manchester United’s response to the proposed deal.
Rashford’s impressive run of form during his loan spell at Aston Villa was interrupted by a hamstring injury. The striker recorded four goals and six assists in 17 appearances, and his strong performances even led Unai Emery to choose him over Ollie Watkins several times.
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Aston Villa have a £40 million purchase option, but have yet to make a final decision on whether they will exercise this. If Villa qualify for the Champions League, it will probably have a big impact on their decision.
After the 2-0 win at Villa Park over Tottenham on May 16, they are in 5th place (who qualify for the Champions League) with 66 points, the same as Chelsea in 4th place and only one point above both Manchester City and Nottingham Forest in 6th and 7th place.
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The dream of Barcelona
Even if Villa activate the option, they must agree on personal terms with the player. According to TEAMtalk, this could be difficult, as Rashford dreams of a new chapter in Spain with La Liga champions Barcelona.
Barcelona are interested in signing Rashford in the upcoming summer transfer window. They investigated the possibility of a loan stay in January, but were unable to make ends meet.
According to two separate reports from SPORT and Mundo Deportivo, Rashford is still prioritising a move to Barcelona.
Barcelona’s offer – and United’s rejection
Barcelona are considering a transfer, but the type of deal they want to offer does not satisfy Manchester United.
The Red Devils want a permanent transfer for Rashford. As a homegrown player, the proceeds from his sale will be recorded as “pure profit” in the accounts, which will significantly increase United’s financial leeway in a crucial summer transfer window.
Both Spanish reports claim that Barcelona have prepared a one-year loan proposal for Rashford, with an option for a permanent transfer after the 2025/26 season.
SPORT reports that this structure is “not relevant” for Manchester United and that the bosses at Old Trafford have come up with a clear reaction to Marcus Rashford’s attempt at a pincer manoeuvre.
Rashford’s wage demands and Villa’s standings
Rashford is reportedly willing to “force through” a transfer and is even prepared to take a significant pay cut in order to realise his dream of Barcelona.
Currently, Rashford earns £325,000 per week, and it is claimed that his willingness to take a pay cut only applies to Barcelona.
If Aston Villa activate the call option, they will therefore have to match his current salary. At £325,000 per week, Rashford would become the highest-paid player in Villa’s history, but according to SPORT, the club is not willing to meet these demands.
A permanent move to Villa Park thus seems to be increasingly difficult, despite the option.
What will it take for Rashford to get the dream transfer?
For Rashford to secure a move to Barcelona, it depends on one of two things:
- Manchester United accept a new loan
- Barcelona enters with a permanent offer
If United sell Rashford on the open market, they will demand £40 million.
