Marcus Rashford has been told he can leave Manchester United this summer, but the England forward's preference is clear as he holds out for his dream move after rejecting a lucrative approach
15:41, 13 Jul 2025
Marcus Rashford's Manchester United career looks to be over
Marcus Rashford's Manchester United career looks to be over(Image: CameraSport via Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford has reportedly snubbed a mega-money offer from Saudi Arabia as he holds out for a dream move to Barcelona.
The Manchester United forward, who is currently out of favour under Ruben Amorim, is said to be keen on a switch to the Nou Camp. Rashford's desire to join Barcelona was sparked after a fruitful loan stint at Aston Villa, where despite an injury, he managed to score four goals and provide six assists in 17 appearances.
However, his high wage demands have been a stumbling block in negotiations. Currently earning £325,000 per week at United, where he is contracted until June 2028, Barca are unable to match those terms due to their financial constraints.
United are open to selling Rashford if a club meets their £40million valuation. They were reportedly excited to hear of interest from the Saudi Pro League. However, according to Mundo Deportivo, Rashford has rejected a move to the Middle East, holding out for Catalonia instead.
The report suggests that Rashford was offered a deal worth €40m (£34m) by an unnamed Saudi team, but he dismissed it outright.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 19: Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa in action during the Premier League match between Aston Villa FC and Liverpool FC at Villa Park on February 19, 2025 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford enjoyed a resurgence at Aston Villa(Image: Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
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His agents have reportedly been in discussions with Barcelona, and the England striker is said to be willing to take a pay cut to secure his dream transfer.
Manchester United's problem continues as the club seeks a permanent sale for their academy product, but Barcelona are eyeing a loan move with an option to buy for £30m to £40m. The Red Devils could save a neat sum of £17m in wages over the year by agreeing to this loan term.
Rashford himself is eager to get his transfer sorted as soon as possible, mindful that the Catalan giants kick off pre-season training on July 24.
Barca are also having eyes on Liverpool's Luis Diaz, scouted extensively by their sporting director Deco, Rashford emerges as a viable Plan B.
The fresh interest from Barca comes in light of their failed attempt to sign Nico Williams, who instead signed a new 10-year deal with Athletic Bilbao despite Barcelona's readiness to activate his €58m buy-out clause.
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While on holiday in Marbella, he spoke to Spanish YouTube channel XBuyer about the possibility of teaming up with Barca's young prodigy Lamine Yamal in the future.
"Yeah, sure. Everybody in the world wants to play with the best," Rashford openly stated, adding, "So hopefully, we'll see."