Most has been written and said about Marcus Rashford’s last two seasons with Manchester United. The supporters are disappointed, neither Ten Hag nor Ruben Amorim have fully benefited from one of the club’s highest-paid players. This summer, it was ready for rental to Barcelona. Here, the 28-year-old has once again found his way back to sparkling good football and a ticket to the England national team, perfectly timed one year before the World Cup finals. No one sees Rashford returning to United, here probably all bridges are burned, but an easy, permanent transfer to Barcelona after the end of the season, it is unlikely to be.
According to Caughtoffside’s sources close to the agent business, Barcelona and sporting director Deco see Rashford as a long-term solution for the left winger. So far, so good. 6 goals and 7 assists in 14 games from the Englishman has convinced.
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The La Liga club has been impressed by Rashford’s versatility and assists, which has led Hansi Flick to personally support the transfer of club president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco. The biggest obstacle, however, remains Rashford’s salary. After signing a lucrative new contract with Man United in the summer of 2023, the Englishman’s salary significantly exceeds Barcelona’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) limits.
The Catalan giant must offer a long-term deal that will involve a reduced base salary but include performance-based bonuses and incentives for image rights. Financially, Barcelona are prepared to pay Manchester United €30 million, slightly below Rashford’s €35 million buyout clause.
This means that Rashford will have to accept the financial compromise, while Manchester United and Barca can certainly agree on the transfer fee itself.
Although Rashford is clearly a big fan of Barcelona, the factor of “other suitors” also plays a role in the negotiations. Because Barcelona are facing stiff competition for Rashford’s signature. Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Inter Milan, Chelsea and Arsenal are all following Rashford’s situation closely.
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Chelsea and Arsenal are considering a potential transfer if the player wants to stay in the Premier League.
The scales seem to tip over towards Barcelona, but nothing has been decided here. For Rashford, it must be fantastic to be back in the driver’s seat.
