Marcus Rashford (28, Manchester United) is again in the spotlight regarding a potential move to FC Barcelona. With his position at Manchester United significantly shaken, the club's internal restructuring efforts and Barcelona's active interest are increasing the chances of the transfer happening.
The British regional newspaper 'Manchester Evening News' reported on the 11th (Korea time) that "Rashford has been excluded from Manchester United's plans for the next season, and Barcelona has set him as a 'priority target.'" Notably, receiving 'approval' from newly appointed head coach Hansi Flick could be a decisive factor.
Rashford spent the second half of the 2024-2025 season on loan at Aston Villa. Although he returned to Manchester this summer, he has reportedly not been included in the plans of Ruben Amorim. The jersey number 10, which symbolized him, has already been given to the new recruit Matheus Cunha. He is essentially in the 'final sorting stage.'
In the meantime, Florian Plettenberg, a journalist from Germany's 'Sky Sports,' reported that "Barcelona has set Rashford as their number one priority in the summer transfer market and is ready to make a full-scale effort to acquire him." According to Plettenberg, Barcelona has already begun to push for the transfer at the club level, and Rashford also prefers a move to Barcelona.
Mateo Moreto, a journalist from Spain, also reported that "Head Coach Hansi Flick has approved the acquisition of Rashford, and detailed negotiations between Manchester United and Barcelona will begin within the next few days." Barcelona's Director General Deco has previously mentioned in an interview with 'RAC1 Radio' that "Both Luis Díaz and Rashford are players we like." Despite facing financial difficulties, Barcelona maintains a positive stance on concentrated investment to reinforce the winger position.
Manchester United has reportedly internally allowed Rashford's transfer. According to the Manchester Evening News, the transfer fee is set at £40 million (approximately 74.4 billion won). The club has clearly stated that he is not included in their plans for this season, while the player's side maintains its previous position of not accepting a cut in weekly wages of £325,000 (approximately 600 million won).
Rashford is also strongly hoping to participate in the Champions League. This means that Barcelona, which possesses a Champions League qualification, could be a more attractive option than Manchester United.
Currently, he is also conducting training separately from the team. According to reports from the Manchester Evening News, Rashford has continued individual training in the afternoons throughout this week. On the 10th, shortly after Ruben Amorim's departure, he arrived at the Carrington training ground at 4:47 p.m. The following day, on the 11th in the morning, he shared a video of himself training at the gym through his personal social media.
Rashford dreams of a new chapter in his career. Having already established himself as a top European winger beyond the Premier League, he is looking for an opportunity to prove himself at the new Barcelona under coach Flick. If the interests of the club, the player, and the interested club align, the transfer could materialize faster than expected.
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