Marcus Rashford has his heart set on a move to Barcelona this summer but Manchester United are refusing to budge their asking price.
Ever since Marcus Rashford was frozen out by Ruben Amorim at the end of last year, it seemed inevitable that he would head for the exit at Old Trafford.
Aston Villa refused to buy Rashford after his six-month loan spell at the Premier League club – their failure to qualify for the Champions League meant they couldn’t afford the £40 million price tag.
Now, Rashford is determined to join Barcelona this summer but the Spanish giants are struggling financially and are hesitant to meet the £40 million price point.
Barcelona are open to loaning Rashford but Ineos understandably want to collect a fee for the 27-year-old this summer. A new Fifa ruling could give Rashford a new exit option.
Manchester United pre-season training with Manchester United
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Marcus Rashford may soon be able to buy out of his Man United contract
Rashford has told United he’ll play in the Under-21s next season if a move to Barcelona cannot be finalised – that is how committed he is to playing in Catalonia next season.
But there is a financial stand-off with United wanting £40 million and Barcelona not willing to pay it.
According to The Sun, Fifa could be forced to introduce a new transfer rule where players are able to buy themselves out of their contract to avoid clubs having to pay big fees.
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A European court case around Arsenal and Chelsea star Lassana Diarra has ruled that the player was unfairly “handcuffed” which could force Fifa to introduce new rules similar to “free agency” in US sports.
If the rule is introduced, players will have an opportunity to break their own contract by paying a compensation fee.
Essentially players would have to pay a compensation fee equal to the salary remaining on their contract. Given that Rashford’s United contract expires in 2028, it would come at a hefty cost.
The transfer rule will not be implemented this summer, but could be introduced in future windows.
New Fifa transfer rule could also impact Alejandro Garnacho and Antony
Two other United players heavily linked with an exit this summer are Alejandro Garnacho and Antony.
Antony is wanted by Real Betis but, similar to Rashford, the Spanish side are not willing to pay the £40 million asking price.
Meanwhile, Garnacho has been told to find a new club following his comments after the Europa League final in Bilbao. As an academy product, his sale would represent pure profit.
READ MORE: Alejandro Garnacho already told ideal move away from Man Utd by player set to replace him, ‘it’s different…’
However, if Fifa are required to introduce new free agency laws and either player could break their contract, either Antony or Garnacho could pay compensation to leave Old Trafford for free.
If there wasn’t already huge pressure on United to sell their unwanted players this summer, there certainly is now.