Marcus Rashford’s much-anticipated exit from Manchester United appears to be gaining momentum, with reports confirming that Barcelona have opened talks over a potential deal for the 27-year-old forward. The move, initially structured as a loan with an option to buy, aligns with Rashford’s long-standing ambition to play at Camp Nou a destination he identified as his ideal next step after a turbulent spell at Old Trafford.
Rashford’s relationship with United took a dramatic turn last December when he was dropped by newly appointed head coach Ruben Amorim. Since then, tensions have escalated, with Rashford now training away from the first-team squad alongside four other players. The England international, who is United’s second-highest earner on £325,000 per week, reportedly sees no future at the club as long as Amorim remains in charge.
His temporary loan to Aston Villa during the second half of last season offered glimpses of a resurgence. Rashford registered four goals and six assists in 17 appearances, showcasing flashes of the dynamic form that once made him a fan favourite at Old Trafford. Yet, the looming shadow of Amorim’s strict regime has made his return to Manchester untenable.
Barcelona’s pursuit of Rashford comes after their failed attempt to land Spain winger Nico Williams, who recently committed his long-term future to Athletic Bilbao with a new 10-year deal. The Catalan giants, operating under financial restrictions, see Rashford as a cost-effective and high-upside solution to bolster their attacking options. A loan deal would allow them to assess his form and fit within Hansi Flick’s system before committing to a permanent transfer.
For United, offloading Rashford, even temporarily, presents a financial reprieve. With the club already having committed over £130 million to acquire Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo, outgoing transfers are essential to balance the books. Shedding Rashford’s significant salary could unlock more flexibility for additional reinforcements.
As negotiations continue via intermediaries, there is growing optimism that a deal will be finalized in the coming weeks potentially marking a fresh chapter for Rashford and much-needed clarity for Manchester United.
