Manchester United proposed signing Barcelona midfielder Marc Bernal in a potential deal for Marcus Rashford, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Rashford spent the 2025/26 season on loan with the Blaugrana. He had a terrific campaign for them, registering 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 games.
Despite this, the La Liga champions did not trigger the option to buy him for £26m due to his hefty wages and sought a significant discount on the figure.
Mundo Deportivo now report that United were prepared to discuss a cut-price fee for Rashford only if Bernal was offered as a makeweight in the deal.
However, the Catalan giants firmly dismissed the proposal, while the player himself made it clear that he does not wish to leave the Blaugrana this summer.
Bernal has personally spoken with manager Hansi Flick, who has made it clear that he is counting on him.
Barcelona probably did not want to re-sign Rashford
Rashford had a fine campaign for the Blaugrana with 28 goal contributions, but the Spanish champions turned down the opportunity to trigger the buy clause.
They ended up signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £70m. At the time, United had no plans to accept £11.3m to part ways with their graduate.
Mundo Deportivo now reveal that United ‘wanted to sign’ Bernal to provide a discount, but we believe the Red Devils were trying to facilitate Rashford’s transfer.
The hierarchy were more than willing to negotiate with the Blaugrana. They opened the door for them to land Rashford if Bernal was offered as a makeweight.
Barcelona’s decision clearly suggests they did not want to pursue a permanent deal for Rashford.
The story has been twisted in a way to suggest United denied Rashford his dream move, rather than Barcelona showing no interest in a part-exchange deal.
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