Man United and Barcelona may do business next summer.placeholder image
Man United and Barcelona may do business next summer. | Getty Images
Manchester United and Barcelona may each solve a key problem with a swap deal next summer
The form of Marcus Rashford since he arrived at Barcelona on loan from Manchester United in July has been somewhat of a revelation, which has taken the football world by storm. Rashford, who turned 28 on Friday, has already bagged six goals and another seven assists in his 15 games for Barca, playing across the front line and adapting well to roles usually filled by the likes of Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski.
La Blaugrana are reportedly already looking to secure Rashford on a permanent deal next summer, though complications have arisen surrounding their ability to pay the €30 million (£26m) release clause for the England international as per BBC Sport. With this in mind, Barca may need to find an alternate way of securing a permanent return for Rashford if they see him as a part of their future plans. This could involve a major swap transfer deal with a Blaugrana star moving in the opposite direction.
Barcelona and Man United swap deal could be the answer
Amidst their continued financial difficulties, Barcelona have assembled a quality squad full of young La Masia academy graduates, some of whom are simply too good not to play and could ultimately see their careers flourish elsewhere.
Man United remain in clear need of a midfield player, and so could look to secure the signing of Marc Casado as part of a swap deal for Rashford. The 22-year-old is primarily a defensive midfielder, tenacious and tough in the tackle but while possessing the technical quality and ability to play-make from deep which the likes of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte do not have to the same extent.
Casado would provide a cheaper alternative to Adam Wharton while even possessing the ability to step into Bruno Fernandes’ more creative double-pivot role if the Red Devils captain were to move on in the summer. Casado has been touted as available for sale for €30m-€35m, and while Barca may hope to drive a harder bargain for their academy graduate, they may recognise the value of a deal in exchange for Rashford.
Rashford and Casado swap deal could see both sides secure key player
This deal could prove game-changing for all parties. For Rashford, the importance of securing a permanent move to Barcelona cannot be overstated, as he has found an environment in which he can flourish and will hope to avoid an embarrassed return to Manchester with his tail between his legs.
United still need to secure the future of their central midfield positions, regardless of whether Amorim remains in the job long-term. Casemiro is edging closer to a departure, while Ugarte has already been proven to lack what the Red Devils need.
Casado might have just what they have been missing, and could become a lynchpin of the United midfield for years to come. He would be reluctant to depart the club he has been at since the age of 13, but could see his career reach new heights if he is to become part of a resurgent Man United generation and win trophies in England.
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