Marcus Rashford has been linked with a move to Barcelona after spending the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, but the La Liga club are reluctant to pay £40m
Marcus Rashford
(Image: GETTY)
Manchester United's Marcus Rashford, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa after falling out of favour at Old Trafford, may be considering a permanent departure from the 13-time Premier League champions this summer, leaving his future uncertain.
Rashford, a product of the United academy, scored two goals on his Premier League debut in February 2016 as the Red Devils triumphed over Arsenal 3-2. He quickly rose to stardom at Old Trafford and became a fixture in Gareth Southgate's England squad.
However, after signing a contract extension in 2023, his form took a downturn. He subsequently moved to Villa Park on loan where he impressed under Unai Emery.
But it seems his stint in the west Midlands has come to an end, and it's yet to be seen where he'll be when the new season kicks off.
Villa had the option to secure Rashford for £40million following his loan spell at the club. However, no announcement was made regarding a permanent transfer at the end of last season, with the Englishman penning an emotional social media post to thank fans after the season wrapped up, reports the Express.
In May, reports suggested that Rashford was not prepared to take a pay cut to leave United, with the high-profile star reportedly earning around £315,000 per week in the north west.
However, he later reconsidered the terms he would accept to facilitate his exit from Old Trafford.
Rashford is reportedly eager for a switch to Barcelona, with his representative and brother Dwaine Maynard having discussions with the club's sporting director Deco recently.
(Image: Getty Images)
Deco had previously mentioned: "We like Luis [Diaz], we like Rashford, and we like other players. When we go to the market, there are names that we know and that could improve the team."
It's believed that Rashford has been turning down all transfer proposals in hopes of securing a move to Spain.
Barcelona's manager Hansi Flick and their sports team are said to be captivated by Rashford's intense desire to join them.
However, the potential transfer may encounter difficulties as Barcelona are reportedly reluctant to meet the £40m asking price for Rashford, as per Bild.
Speculation has also arisen that La Liga champions might consider offering goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to Manchester United as part of the deal to reduce the cost.
Whether Rashford will secure his desired move in the near future is yet to be determined. Nonetheless, former United defender Gary Neville delivered a stark verdict on Rashford's situation during The Overlap show, It's Called Soccer: "Marcus Rashford has to leave Manchester United. That ship has sailed and he needs to find himself another club."
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