Barcelona are set to resume negotiations with Manchester United this week in an attempt to sign Marcus Rashford.
Rashford is willing to take a pay cut
Spanish journalist Santi Aouna reports on social media that Barcelona and Manchester United have agreed to continue negotiations this week. The report emphasizes that Rashford is desperate for the transfer and is willing to make huge financial sacrifices – probably by accepting a pay cut – to make the move a reality.
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Nico Williams’ decision changes the game
The news that Nico Williams has signed a new contract with Athletic Bilbao has increased the likelihood of Rashford joining Barcelona. Williams was Barcelona’s first-choice goal on the winger this summer.
With Williams out of the picture, Rashford has become Barcelona’s top option alongside Liverpool’s Luis Díaz – the latter will require a significantly higher transfer fee.
The salary question is the main challenge
The biggest obstacle in the negotiations is Rashford’s salary. With an annual salary of €18 million at United, he is far above what Barcelona can offer. Thus, either United will have to subsidize part of the salary in a loan spell, or Rashford will have to accept a significant pay cut.
According to Nicolò Schira, Barcelona have already proposed a loan with an option to buy United.
Rashford’s path to this point
The 27-year-old was loaned to Aston Villa in January with an option on a permanent transfer for around €47.5 million. However, Villa chose not to make use of this clause, and Rashford returned to United.
His career in Manchester is considered to be over, and he was already placed on the transfer list in January after a controversial interview with Henry Winter. Rashford admitted that he was “ready for a new challenge” and was therefore excluded from the squad before the Villa loan.
During his loan spell, he impressed enough to be recalled to the England national team, with two goals and four assists in a season and a half.
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Career statistics
- Manchester United: 426 games, 138 goals
- England: 62 caps, 17 goals
Barcelona now appear to be Rashford’s most likely way out, but depending on how much he is willing to sacrifice financially to play Champions League football.
