Marcus Rashford Set for Manchester United Exit, Eyes Barcelona Move

Marcus Rashford is ready to leave Manchester United this summer. Both Rashford and the club want a new beginning. Barcelona is his favored team, but they have not signed a deal yet. The Spanish club and others are still considering their options.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa. He scored eight goals and provided three assists in 27 Premier League matches. After his loan at Aston Villa, Rashford returned to Manchester United in June. Even though his performances improved at Villa, the club did not pursue the £40 million buy option mostly due to a hamstring injury that interrupted his campaign. New manager Rúben Amorim has stated that Rashford does not fit into his plans for the future at Old Trafford, which means the 27-year-old will be leaving the club this summer. Rashford’s representatives have met with Barcelona sports director Deco, so the Catalan side is preferred by Rashford—although no agreements have been made yet, as other clubs continue to express interest in Rashford.

According to a previous report, Marcus Rashford is set to leave Manchester United.

BARCELONA’S TRANSFER DILEMMA

Barcelona have renewed interest in Rashford after failing with attempts to sign other high-profile wingers like Luis Diaz and Nico Williams. Liverpool refused to sell Diaz, while Williams recently signed a ten-year extension with Athletic Club. Although Rashford is highly regarded and open to joining Barcelona, financial restrictions and wage structure concerns pose significant hurdles to any potential deal. Barcelona has been fined €15 million by UEFA for breaching FFP regulations, which adds complexity to their transfer strategy. Barcelona have struggled in recent transfer windows to register new players within LaLiga’s financial fair play rules, and any agreement for Rashford will require a creative structuring and possibly reduced salary expectations. Meanwhile, Manchester United would prefer a permanent transfer over another loan stint.

According to a previous report, Barcelona has been fined €15 million for breaching FFP regulations.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

With pre-season just days away, Rashford’s near future is uncertain. Manchester United, having finished fifteenth in the Premier League last season, is expected to make major changes to the squad under Amorim’s leadership. They have a pre-season friendly against Borussia Dortmund coming up, while Rashford waits for a potential move to Spain. Fresh off a LaLiga title, Barcelona are eager to strengthen their attacking options ahead of another title challenge. As it stands, Rashford’s chances of joining Barcelona are better than in previous weeks, but any agreement will depend on Barcelona resolving their financial issues—and also on whether other interested clubs step in with a decisive approach.

According to a previous report, Manchester United finished fifteenth in the Premier League last season.