Barcelona are closing in on a deal to sign Marcus Rashford on an initial loan from Manchester United with an option to buy, Softfootball can report.
The Catalan giants have accelerated negotiations in recent days and made their approach via intermediaries, with United understood to have accepted the structure of the deal. This is the latest development in the meeting held between Barcelona and Rashford’s agent, as captured by Softfootball this week.
While the transfer is not yet sealed, the Athletic revealed that talks between all parties are now in the final stages and progressing positively.
Rashford, 27, is seen as an ideal profile for Hansi Flick’s system: a wide forward who can play centrally when needed. The new Barça manager has already spoken to the England international and approved the move, a key factor in the club’s push.
Flick is eager to add more dynamism on the left flank, an area where Barcelona felt thin last season. The failed pursuits of Nico Williams and Luis Díaz meant the club had to revisit their shortlist, with Rashford moving to the top after Deco’s long-standing admiration for the United forward resurfaced.
A loan would ease the financial burden for the Blaugrana, who remain under tight salary constraints. Rashford currently earns over £325,000 per week at United, a figure Barcelona are expected to split with the English club, just as Aston Villa did when they took him on a short-term spell earlier this year.
Despite flashes of quality under Unai Emery, including four goals in 17 appearances, Rashford’s momentum was halted by a hamstring injury in April. He missed the final stretch of the season and was omitted from England’s latest squad by Thomas Tuchel.
Flick’s preference for direct, physical wingers is well known, and he has reportedly identified Rashford as a player who can give the team a different outlet, especially in transition moments.
With Lamine Yamal and Raphinha the only natural wide men currently trusted in Barça’s 4-3-3, the England forward could play a decisive role next season after Barca failed to sign Nico Williams.
Rashford hasn’t featured for Manchester United since a Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen in December. He was dropped by Ruben Amorim soon after, and despite returning to Carrington on July 8, he has trained individually and is not part of first-team plans at this stage.
If this deal materialises, the proposal from Juventus for Rashford will be nullified. Recall that Softfootball had earlier reported that the duo of Rashford and Jadon Sancho had been monitored by Juventus for a potential transfer from Old Trafford.
Rashford recorded 426 appearances for the club and scored 138 goals since his debut in 2015, having won two FA and Carabao cups and a Europa League title.
