Manchester United have reportedly approached Barcelona with a bold proposal that could see Marcus Rashford head to the Camp Nou — if the Catalan giants are willing to part with one of their prized assets, valued at £50 million.
According to reports emerging from Spain and the UK, United have identified a specific Barcelona player they would like in exchange as part of a potential deal for Rashford this summer. While the exact name of the requested player remains undisclosed, it’s understood the Old Trafford hierarchy are targeting a technically gifted attacking midfielder or versatile forward who fits Ruben Amorim’s tactical blueprint.
Rashford, 26, endured a turbulent 2024/25 campaign. After a blistering 30-goal season the year before, the England international found himself out of favour under new boss Amorim. A reported clash of personalities saw Rashford’s role reduced, leading to a shock deadline day loan move to Aston Villa in January.
Despite flashes of brilliance at Villa Park, the winger has failed to fully recapture the form that once made him United’s talisman. Now, with Amorim set to continue his rebuild at Old Trafford this summer, the club are open to moving Rashford on permanently — but only if the deal makes strategic and financial sense.
Barcelona, who are looking to bolster their attacking options without breaking the bank, are understood to be admirers of Rashford and view him as a potential long-term replacement for Raphinha or even Ferran Torres, both of whom could be sold to ease the club’s financial pressures.
United’s demand for a player in return is seen as a way to both facilitate Rashford’s departure and plug a creative gap in the squad. The club are believed to be keen on a direct, technically sharp attacking player who can thrive under Amorim’s possession-heavy, high-pressing system.
The potential deal comes at a fascinating time for both clubs. Barcelona, under pressure to meet La Liga’s financial fair play regulations, may be open to player swaps rather than heavy cash outlays. For United, it’s a matter of reshaping a bloated squad and asserting a new identity under Amorim after yet another disappointing Premier League season.
Rashford, for his part, is said to be open to a move abroad for the first time in his career, should the right project present itself. The England star remains hugely popular among United fans, but the feeling within the club is that a clean break may suit both parties, especially given the emergence of younger wide options such as Alejandro Garnacho and Amad Diallo.
The coming weeks will be crucial, with Rashford’s future likely to be one of the defining stories of United’s summer. Should Barcelona agree to United’s request, it could be a rare high-profile swap deal that makes sense for everyone involved.
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