£40m United star wants to join Barcelona, refusing to give up on ambition - report

22/04/2025 17:41

Manchester United are likely to offload multiple players during the summer transfer window.

The Red Devils need to recoup funds for new signings based on manager Ruben Amorim’s requirements.

Sport (page 15) now claim that Marcus Rashford ‘still wants to come’ to Barcelona.

The Englishman was a loan target for the Catalan giants in January, but they did not pursue his signature as they focused on contract extensions of some key players.

Rashford ended up joining Aston Villa on loan with an option to buy for £40 million, but the attacker has refused to give up on the possibility of moving to the Blaugrana.

Hansi Flick’s side are eyeing a versatile forward, who can play across the attack. Rashford perfectly fits the bill. However, he may have to accept a significant pay-cut for a move to materialise.

Rashford to Barcelona speculation could be agent-driven

The 27-year-old fell out-of-favour under manager Ruben Amorim in December last year. He signed for the Villans on loan before the winter transfer deadline on February 3.

Rashford has made a good impression at the Midlands outfit. He has registered four goals and provided six assists from 17 appearances in all competitions under manager Unai Emery.

Emery has started him regularly over Ollie Watkins upfront in recent matches. It remains to be seen whether Villa will take up the option to purchase him for £40m this summer.

If they don’t, it could open up the opportunity for other clubs to capitalise. We believe the speculation could be agent-driven to invite fresh Barcelona interest if Villa opt against a deal.

Rashford, described as ‘unstoppable‘ by former United manager Erik ten Hag, will most likely end up joining Villa on a permanent basis, considering his goal involvements so far.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com

Article written by Sri Aswin .