Manchester United star Marcus Rashford awaits Barcelona chance
Marcus Rashford has become one of the hottest names in the transfer market this summer, with FC Barcelona being his clear first choice for a new chapter in his career after leaving Manchester United.
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- The 27-year-old England international has made it clear to his team and agent that he will only play for FC Barcelona, rejecting all offers from other top European clubs or Saudi Arabia while he waits for a response from the Catalan giants.
- Rashford was already trying to join Barça in the winter window, but due to the club’s salary cap and lack of space in the squad, he ended up with a loan spell at Aston Villa. There he recorded four goals and five assists in 17 games.
Willing to take a big pay cut
- Talks between Rashford and Barcelona have been positive, with several meetings between the player’s agent and Barcelona’s sporting director Deco. – Rashford is showing himself willing to make significant financial sacrifices, including accepting a hefty pay cut from the £350,000 a week he earned at United, in order to adapt to Barcelona’s financial realities.
- Manchester United, who do not see Rashford as part of Rubén Amorim’s new project, want a permanent transfer and are asking for at least €40 million. However, Barcelona are primarily considering a loan with an option to buy due to Financial Fair Play restrictions.
Barcelona has options
- Although Rashford is high on the wish list of both Deco and head coach Hansi Flick, Barcelona also have other left-wing options in their sights. Luis Díaz from Liverpool is their first candidate, but the Colombian’s high price tag (€80-95 million) makes Rashford a more financially realistic option.
- The Catalan club is yet to make a final decision, as they are considering several options to find the best attacking reinforcement for the money.
Time pressure for Rashford
- According to sources close to the player and pundits such as Fabrizio Romano, Rashford has given an ultimatum: he will wait as long as possible this summer for a Barcelona offer, but may have to consider other European options if the club’s response is not forthcoming.
- Rashford’s team wants a quick solution, as the player needs regular playing time and exposure before the 2026 World Cup to secure his place in the England national team.
It all depends on Barcelona
Marcus Rashford has done everything in his power to facilitate a move to Camp Nou: accepted a pay cut, pushed for a deal and rejected other offers. Now it’s up to Barcelona to find a solution that, given Rashford’s will and a reasonable transfer fee, could be one of the club’s most feasible signings in 2025.
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