TBR Football can exclusively reveal Barcelona’s next steps following a major setback in their pursuit of Nico Williams.
Marcus Rashford’s time at Manchester United is understood to be over after a reported falling out with manager Ruben Amorim last season.
The breakdown in their relationship saw Rashford dropped from the squad, before he was eventually loaned to Aston Villa in January with a £40 million option to buy, where he impressed.
Despite interest from England, Rashford continues to dream of a move to Barcelona, a club that has admired him since the January transfer window.
Marcus Rashford in action for Man United vs Nottingham Forest
Photo by Stephen White – CameraSport via Getty Images
Initially, Barcelona’s agreement with Nico Williams appeared to close the door on a move for Rashford. However, with that deal now having collapsed, TBR Football can reveal what the Spanish giants are planning next.
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has shared the latest surrounding the situation of the Man United attacker.
As per Bailey, with Williams signing a new deal with Athletic Bilbao, Rashford to Barcelona is now likely to happen.
The Spanish side have already held talks with Man United before and while the talks did not progress then, they are expected to make fresh contact with the club soon.
The deal will likely come down to agreeing on options and obligations that are included in a loan deal. Speaking exclusively with TBR Football, Bailey revealed: “Barcelona have always maintained during recent weeks that they wanted Marcus Rashford along with Nico Williams.
“Barca have remained in communication with Rashford’s camp throughout with Deco and Hansi Flick both keen on bringing him to the club.
“Now with Williams not moving, it certainly makes a deal more likely given he can cover the wide berth and centrally.
“Rashford has always been confident he would end up at Barcelona this summer and that remains the priority. Clearly, Williams not joining does not harm his situation.
“Barca have already had talks with United over a loan deal, which did not progress but they are soon expected to make fresh contact – the Rashford deal will come down to the options and possible obligations that are included.
“The sense I get from all parties is that he will end up in Catalunya.”
Marcus Rashford has recently hinted at his desire to play for Barcelona
It was reported that Rashford has been waiting for Barcelona, and his decision to wait for the Spanish giants may have paid off after the recent developments.
Rashford has even hinted at his desire to play for Barcelona in a recent interview with xBuyer on YouTube.
He labelled his potential new teammate Lamine Yamal as ‘the best’ when asked about the prospect of linking up with him. He said: “Yeah, sure. Everybody in the world wants to play with the best. So hopefully, we’ll see.
“He’s playing at the highest level, I don’t think we’ve seen it. To have his mentality is a skill. He’s not normal to be doing what he does and will keep improving.”
In the same interview, Rashford has also hinted at a potential move to Barcelona by speaking fondly of life in Spain.
He described it as a pleasant and convenient location, noting its proximity to England, the ability for his family to visit during extended training periods, and the appeal of the good weather.