Manchester United Set ‘Affordable Price’ for Marcus Rashford Amid Barcelona Interest
Manchester United have reportedly set an ‘affordable price’ for the sale of Marcus Rashford, with the England international said to be keen on a move to FC Barcelona. According to a report from Spanish outlet Sport, as cited by Football 365, the Red Devils are demanding 48 million euros (£40.2m) for the 25-year-old, who has rebuilt his reputation in recent months with Aston Villa.
Rashford’s form dramatically declined after scoring 30 goals across all competitions in 2022/23, and the arrival of Ruben Amorim did not have the desired impact on his standing at Old Trafford. The England international announced his intention to leave Manchester United ahead of the winter, but his options were limited amid his poor performances and huge salary. However, a loan move to Aston Villa proved to be a successful one, with Rashford grabbing four goals and six assists in his 17 appearances during his stint at Unai Emery’s side.
Aston Villa’s loan deal with Manchester United for Rashford includes a buy option for around £40m, but it remains to be seen whether their failure to qualify for the Champions League could end their hopes of making this move permanent. As Football 365 reported, Rashford’s recent upturn could attract interest from elite European sides, with Barcelona said to be his ‘dream’ destination.
Barcelona are in the market for a new winger this summer, with Liverpool star Luis Diaz also said to be on their radar. However, Rashford is an alternative option for the Catalan giants, who are looking to bolster their attacking options. According to Football 365, Manchester United have ‘made it clear’ that they are ‘no longer considering’ Rashford amid their ‘ongoing divorce’ and they ‘want to sell him permanently’ in a ‘definitive solution’.
While Rashford’s price has been deemed ‘affordable’, it is noted that it would still be ‘difficult’ for Barcelona to sign him as his salary makes it an expensive operation. As Football 365 reported, Barcelona are said to be ‘very clear on their preference’ as they seek a ‘loan with a buy option’, with it suggested that the Red Devils could be open to a compromise to offload Rashford on ‘advantageous loan terms’ amid their ‘very serious problem with the player’.
The potential sale of Rashford could be a significant one for Manchester United, who are looking to revamp their squad under the new ownership of INEOS. As Football 365 reported, the Red Devils are said to be keen on selling Rashford permanently, with the player’s ‘ongoing divorce’ from the club set to be resolved in the coming months.
In related news, Manchester United are said to be keen on signing a new winger this summer, with Arsenal chiefs flying out to complete a £58m striker deal ahead of the Red Devils and Chelsea. As Football 365 reported, INEOS are said to be keen on signing a ‘world-class’ star to replace a ‘sentenced’ £47m flop, with Amorim’s ‘message’ to a ‘kicked out’ Red Devils star revealed with his Old Trafford ‘career over’.
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