Barcelona’s Pursuit of Marcus Rashford
Barcelona is reportedly pursuing Manchester United’s forward Marcus Rashford as they look to bolster their attacking lineup. The 27-year-old Englishman appears to be surplus to requirements at Manchester United, and recent discussions indicate that Rashford could be on the verge of a move to La Liga.
Transfer Discussions
On Wednesday morning, Barcelona’s Director of Football, Deco, met with Rashford’s agent to explore the feasibility of the transfer.
Given their interest in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz—a player they deem a top target—Barcelona has acknowledged the difficulty of securing him and has turned to alternatives, with Rashford being a prominent option. Originally, Barcelona had considered acquiring him during the January transfer window, but complications with their salary cap had prevented any deals from materializing. Rashford ultimately elected to join Aston Villa on loan at the deadline instead.
Financial Considerations
While the Red Devils have set a €48 million price tag for Rashford, they are keen on selling rather than opting for another loan arrangement. Barcelona hopes that by making a substantial offer for Rashford, supported by the player’s desire for a move to the Camp Nou, they might convince Manchester United to reconsider. Ultimately, Barcelona envisions crafting a loan deal that likely includes an option to buy.
Player Interest and Strategy
Recent statements suggest that Rashford is willing to bide his time for a potential transfer to Barcelona, despite the club’s lingering salary cap issues. His patience signifies a strong interest in this opportunity should it materialize. With Hansi Flick endorsing the move, both he and Deco believe Rashford would seamlessly fit into their tactical setup.
Rashford’s Status on Barcelona’s Shortlist
Additionally, Fabrizio Romano has pointed out that Rashford is one of four key targets on Barcelona’s shortlist. His camp re-engaged with Barcelona representatives recently, underlining his status as a viable option for the club. In contrast, Diaz remains a more expensive target with reported fees ranging from €70 to €85 million, and it’s been suggested he could be leveraging Barcelona’s interest in his contract discussions. In any event, securing Rashford on loan offers a distinctly accessible alternative for the Catalan giants.
