Manchester United’s sale of Marcus Rashford looks closer than ever, with Spanish football expert Guillem Balague now sharing his verdict.
Despite impressing in Spain, it was never considered a certainty that Marcus Rashford would earn a permanent move to Barcelona this summer, considering their financial situation.
However, I Paper journalist Peter Hall, has now backed up the Spanish media in claiming a deal is close.
He tweeted that he understands the deal is done, with United set to receive the full £26m in instalments. This deal has now been hailed by Spanish footballing expert Guillem Balague
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Marcus Rashford's transfer value in 2026
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Guillem Balague reacts to Marcus Rashford to Barcelona
Manchester United sent Rashford to Barcelona on loan last summer, and the winger hasn’t looked back.
The move was described as being Rashford’s dream transfer, and he has certainly done everything possible to ensure he earns the move. Now, with the news that a deal is close, Balague has declared Rashford a bargain.
Marcus Rashford playing against Albacete Balompie
Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images
“Bargain!!!!!! 29 LaLiga and Champions League, 9 goals and 10 assists. And, more importantly, he is happy. Which makes him play better. Which makes him happy. Which… The secret of football: context and system”.
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Rashford for £26m is undoubtedly a bargain, but United knew that when they agreed to the fee.
United needed to get that £325,000-a-week wage off the books, and the cut-price fee will be worthwhile in Ineos’ eyes for this reason.
What do you think is Marcus Rashford’s legacy at Man Utd?
Manchester United will regret Rashford contract
Rashford could have been a United legend if things had gone differently, but ultimately, he hasn’t been good enough or committed enough for years.
Since Rashford got 40 goal contributions in 2022/23, the forward has never quite managed to get back to these levels.
This coincided with Rashford getting his bumper £325k-a-week wage, after which his performances deteriorated, making the decision look like a bad one.
Without United handing out this massive contract, Rashford might not have dropped off for United, and he might have ended up becoming the player he should have been.
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