Barcelona and Manchester United are getting closer to an agreement. Marcus Rashford will join the Spanish giants on loan with a option to buy a loan.
The 27-year-old is no longer in the plans at Old Trafford and has played for Aston Villa on loan in the second half of the 2024-2025 season. Previously, Rashford had a conflict with coach Ruben Amorim. The striker is almost certain to leave in the summer transfer window and Barcelona has long been Rashford's favorite destination.
And after weeks of speculation, it seems that Rashford - one of the five players no longer in Amorim's plans - is finally about to achieve his wish.
Talks between the two clubs on a loan deal have taken place. The main terms of the basic agreement have been agreed upon, although some details still need to be finalized. Rashford's recruitment has been approved by Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick after a direct discussion with the English striker.
Rashford will join Camp Nou on an initial loan, with a clause allowing Barcelona to buy him out in the future. Although the "Red Devils" prioritized selling Rashford, a loan deal still benefits them in their efforts to raise funds to serve other transfer deals. They have agreed with Barcelona on the terms of the deal, and the negotiations are entering the final stages.
Rashford is currently one of the highest-paid players at Old Trafford, earning £325,000 a week. Aston Villa have paid 2/3 of this salary along with the bonuses when borrowing him last January.
The deal will also benefit Barcelona, who have struggled financially in recent years. The reigning La Liga champions have been searching for a new left winger throughout the summer and have reached an individual deal with Nico Williams. However, the Athletic Bilbao star suddenly changed his mind and extended his contract for another 10 years.
Barcelona have also pursued Luis Diaz, but Liverpool insists the Colombian star is not for sale.
Asked about signing a new winger this summer in May, Flick said: "That is something we discussed with the club. In recent matches, we didn't have many options in that position, so we have to bring many options and improve the quality of the team. This is Deco's job, that's clear, and I'll support him."
When asked specifically about his interest in Rashford and Diaz, Flick added: "I don't want to talk about players who are not in my team, but of course Luis Diaz and Marcus Rashford are both great players. I like them and let's wait and see what happens."
