What looked like a long wait for Marcus Rashford’s exit might have just taken a substantial twist over in Spain.
The relationship between Manchester United and academy graduate Marcus Rashford appears irreparable this summer, with both parties keen to find a solution.
This all stems from Rashford stating his desire to leave United back in December 2024, following a far from ideal start to life under Ruben Amorim. Despite excitement from both to work together, weeks in, Amorim dropped Rashford for his training efforts, which sparked a Europe-wide search for a new club in January.
In the end, after exhausting his options, Rashford headed on loan to Aston Villa with a £40m option to buy, although there was never any feeling this would be acted upon.
This summer, Rashford’s entire focus has been on joining Barcelona, with a move to the Catalan giants seen as a ‘dream’ for Rashford. Despite this, the La Liga side were focused elsewhere, but that might be about to change.
Marcus Rashford in action for Aston Villa during Champions League.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Barcelona miss out on signing Nico Williams as Athletic Club confirm contract extension
In a bid to earn a move to Barcelona, United’s forward has been outspoken over his summer plans. Speaking last month, Rashford admitted he wanted to play with Lamine Yamal.
Despite this, Barcelona were working to sign Nico Williams ahead of Rashford, which might have made a move for the Englishman difficult later in the window, but now this obstacle has been cleared.
On Friday, Barcelona’s pursuit of Williams ended, with Athletic Club confirming that the wonderkid had signed a new 10-year contract with the club, which runs until 2035.
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💥 Nico Williams renueva con el Athletic Club hasta 2035.
El extremo rojiblanco se vincula al club de su corazón durante las próximas diez temporadas y su cláusula de rescisión aumenta más de un 50%. #NicoWilliams2035 #AthleticWIN 🦁
— Athletic Club (@AthleticClub) July 4, 2025
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Importantly, this sees his release clause rise to over £75m, which is a fee that Barcelona could probably not afford this summer.
Due to this, the boyhood Athletic Club star will remain at San Mames, which may end up being excellent news for Manchester United and Marcus Rashford.
Barcelona may now turn attention to purchasing Marcus Rashford
This summer, all the talk around Rashford to Barcelona has indicated a loan move, which would not suit United, given the need for funds this summer.
However, without spending £50m on Williams, Barcelona may look elsewhere for their left winger position, with £40m valued Rashford already a target, and they know he is waiting to make the move.
This could mean that United are able to permanently sell Rashford this summer opposed to agreeing to loan him out, which doesn’t help Ineos’ efforts to strengthen the club this summer.
It would be ideal for Rashford and United if Barcelona were to offer £40m for the player, and we imagine that he would be willing to take a pay cut to make the Camp Nou move this summer, considering it is a dream.