Marcus Rashford faces a crucial summer transfer decision at Barcelona with multiple options on the table including a shock return to Manchester United
Marcus Rashford has found himself at the heart of transfer rumours throughout the current season.
The Manchester United striker is on loan at Barcelona and has been open about his desire to remain at the Camp Nou. The 28-year-old, who previously enjoyed a spell at Aston Villa, last turned out for United in December 2024. Rashford has notched up 14 goals and 14 assists across 48 outings for Barcelona, proving instrumental in Hansi Flick’s squad securing La Liga.
The Catalan club possess the option to make Rashford’s move permanent for £26million but are yet to trigger the clause, with the deadline looming. As the La Liga champions weigh up their next step, Daily Star Sport looks at the routes available to Rashford before the summer transfer window.
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Real Madrid interest
The Spanish giants are reportedly considering a shock move for Rashford, should Barcelona opt against exercising their buy-out clause.
Real Madrid are edging closer to naming Jose Mourinho as their new boss, who previously worked with the striker during his spell at Old Trafford, reports the Mirror.
Spanish publication Sport has claimed Mourinho is eager for the 28-year-old to join forces with him in Madrid. Rashford is viewed as a “valuable addition”, with his potential arrival also likely to “unsettle” Barcelona.
The transfer would only be possible should Barcelona fail to meet the agreed £26m fee. However, Rashford has already proven his worth in Spanish football and would certainly strengthen Real Madrid’s squad.
Man Utd return
Rashford found himself sidelined at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim’s management. United’s sacking of the Portuguese boss in January has created an opportunity for the striker to potentially rejoin his boyhood club in the summer, should a permanent Barcelona transfer fall through.
While it seems improbable, caretaker manager Michael Carrick avoided dismissing the possibility last month. “There’s decisions to be made on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation,” said Carrick, who played alongside Rashford and subsequently coached him at United.
“But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided. It will be because it has to be at a certain point but at this stage, there’s nothing to say.”
Barcelona deal
Barcelona have until June 15 to trigger their buy option for Rashford, who has expressed his wish to stay beyond this season.
The Catalan giants are yet to strike a deal with United, as the Red Devils refuse to compromise on the £26m valuation, while Barcelona are looking to renegotiate the price or secure a new loan arrangement.
Mundo Deportivo claims that Rashford has already reached agreement in principle on a three-year contract with Barcelona.
Nevertheless, Barcelona’s monetary concerns could encourage the striker to renegotiate in favour of a five-year arrangement, allowing the club to distribute the transfer fee over an extended period.
The report states that his Barcelona salary will be 40% less than his present income at Old Trafford.
Back in October, when questioned about his desire to remain, Rashford informed ESPN: “Oh yeah, for sure. I’m enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour.”
£131m swap deal
Meanwhile, former United defender Jaap Stam has suggested AC Milan as a possible destination for Rashford.
United have been linked with AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, who carries a £131m release clause, and Stam believes a swap deal could benefit both parties.
“Maybe a swap between Rafael Leao and Marcus Rashford could work,” Stam told ComeOn. “Leao is also a good player. He has shown his potential at Milan, of course, in what he can do.
“I think he is a player that should be on the list of targets for Man Utd. Having said that, you need to have a look not only at the skill of a player, but also at the mentality of players.
“You need to consider the situation where the club is, what player they are bringing in that is going to help the club going forward, so that you don’t get any irritations from players who are not being picked to start.”