The latest Marcus Rashford transfer news as the Manchester United star, on loan at Barcelona, sees his future remain uncertain
BARCELONA, SPAIN - APRIL 11: Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona celebrates after scoring his team's fourth goal with his teammate Lamine Yamal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol de Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou on April 11, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Pedro Salado/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford's chance of staying at Barcelona may have improved(Image: Pedro Salado, Getty Images)
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Barcelona are expected to reach an agreement to sign Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan, pipping Liverpool to the player, in a deal that could have implications for Marcus Rashford's future at the club. The Catalan side and Bastoni's representatives are said to be working towards the same outcome, with it only a 'matter of time' before all parties reach an understanding.
It is suggested that Barca's return to Camp Nou will enable the club to meet La Liga's Financial Fair Play requirements, but a high-earning player could still leave to allow Barcelona to land their priority targets of Bastoni and a new forward, namely Julian Alvarez.
This is where Rashford's situation at the club has become precarious. It has previously been reported that the forward's wages have proven challenging, despite the loan star being prepared to slash his salary by almost half, and that has stalled progress over a deal.
Barca are eager to maintain experience to support a young group of players, which had worked in Rashford's favour. An attempt to keep 37-year-old veteran striker Robert Lewandowski at the club, on reduced wages, appeared to cast Rashford's future into greater uncertainty.
However, Lewandowski has now been tipped as the makeweight for Bastoni and Alvarez, according to reportsfrom Italy, with AC Milan and Juventus named as potential destinations for the Polish frontman.
The report claims that despite Barca being in line with financial regulations, they'll still need to lose a high-earning player to balance the books, with Lewandowski potentially that player.
That would stand the England international in good stead when it comes to sealing his dream transfer. Barca are keen to have some experienced players in the dressing room, and given Rashford is now 28 and approaching 500 senior club appearances, he is well-positioned to assume that role.
Rashford got himself on the scoresheet for Barcelona against local rivals Espanyol on Saturday. The forward wrapped up the victory after a Ferran Torres brace and a Lamine Yamal strike had already put the match beyond doubt.
Liverpool have been linked with Alessandro Bastoni for years but Barcelona appear to be the frontrunners
Liverpool have been linked with Alessandro Bastoni for years but Barcelona appear to be the frontrunners(Image: Michael Zemanek/Shutterstock)
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Rashford remains under contract at Old Trafford until 2028, and how he finishes the season could still influence whether Barcelona opt to retain the forward, with Hansi Flick known to be an admirer.
The club are already reported to have held discussions over players of a similar profile to Rashford, among them Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup, Victor Munoz of Osasuna, and Mallorca's Jan Virgili.
Flick was delighted to see Rashford find the net against Espanyol, despite choosing to deploy him from the bench even with Raphinha sidelined through injury. The German boss also spoke warmly of Torres, who has faced scrutiny throughout the campaign.
Marcus Rashford warming up
Marcus Rashford's future is still uncertain(Image: David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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"I'm happy for Ferran and also for Lamine's and Rashford's goals," he said. "The most important thing is to protect the players.
"We'll be criticised, but we have to manage it. It's not easy, and sometimes it's unfair, but it's part of our job. It's part of my responsibility. Ferran is in good form, and that's a good thing."
Flick was quizzed about Rashford last week, suggesting he had settled well at Barcelona ahead of their clash with Atletico. "It's not just about pressing with the ball; in the end, you also have to defend," he said. "But he's doing things well and has adapted. We're going to play against Atletico, and they are good down the wings."
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