Barcelona are closing in on a surprise loan deal for Marcus Rashford, the Manchester United forward who has been sidelined at Old Trafford since December.
A move in principle has been agreed, with Rashford set to join the Spanish giants on an initial loan, with an option to buy.
The transfer comes after a turbulent year for the 27-year-old England international, who was frozen out of the United squad by manager Ruben Amorim for what was described as a lack of effort and poor attitude.
\Rashford last featured for United during the Manchester derby on 15 December 2024, before being loaned to Aston Villa in January. While his performances at Villa earned him an England recall, he only managed two Premier League goals in 17 appearances.
Despite United finishing a disappointing 15th in the Premier League, they showed no interest in reintegrating Rashford, who was one of five players told to train away from the first team this summer.
Barcelona, meanwhile, have made strengthening their left wing a priority after missing out on Nico Williams and Luis Diaz.
With their financial constraints limiting big spending, Rashford’s loan deal presents a low-risk opportunity.
“It’s a gamble, but one that could pay off big,” said Spanish football writer Andy West. “His versatility to play left wing or centre-forward fits coach Hansi Flick’s system well, especially with Robert Lewandowski turning 37.”
Barcelona scored 102 goals en route to the La Liga title, but their attacking depth remains an issue.
Flick has experimented with Raphinha centrally and sees Rashford as a direct option to rotate across the front line. Rashford’s experience—138 goals in 426 appearances for United and 17 in 62 caps for England—adds European pedigree.
Yet his form remains a question mark. Aside from a standout 2022-23 campaign, Rashford has struggled for consistency. “Barcelona are aware this isn’t a guaranteed success,” noted Simon Stone of BBC Sport. “But if he clicks, he could be a devastating force in Spain.”
With financial issues still looming at Camp Nou and Ter Stegen’s injury halting a potential sale, Barcelona view Rashford as a calculated risk to add firepower without financial burden—at least for now.
His arrival could complete a fearsome front four alongside Lewandowski, Raphinha, and rising teenage star Lamine Yamal.
