League winners now trying to ‘soften up’ United to agree £40m deal on their terms, negotiations underway

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·31. Mai 2025

League winners now trying to ‘soften up’ United to agree £40m deal on their terms, negotiations underway

Manchester United and Barcelona remain locked in negotiations to try and find an agreement for the transfer of Marcus Rashford.

It was confirmed earlier this week that Rashford’s agent had flown to meet with Sporting Director Deco, as the newly-crowned La Liga champions look to bolster Hansi Flick’s attacking ranks for the 2025/2026 campaign.

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The forward is a concrete name on Barcelona’s shortlist, as is Liverpool frontman Luis Diaz, who is said to take priority if they can get a deal over the line.

Marcus Rashford awaiting new chapter after United exit

Rashford, 27, has been at United since he was seven years old. (Photo by Warren Little/Getty Images)

Following his exile under Ruben Amorim towards the end of 2024, Rashford was sent on loan to Aston Villa in January in hopes of reviving his stagnant career – and that he did.

He enjoyed a new lease of life at Villa Park before his season came to an abrupt end when he sustained an injury in the lead-up to the FA Cup semi-finals, in which Villa were overturned by eventual winners Crystal Palace at Wembley.

In the 17 appearances Rashford made during his temporary spell, he recorded four goals and six assists.

Last week, he sent a message to the club’s staff and supporters to express his gratitude for their support, making it clear he would not be returning beyond the summer – despite there being a £40 million buy option included in his terms.

Rashford to Barcelona: The state of play

With an Old Trafford return essentially out of the picture, United chiefs are frantically searching to find a suitor willing to meet their demands for Rashford.

His dream move is said to be Barcelona, and the Blaugrana are more than willing to welcome him to the squad in the coming months. However, there remains a roadblock in the sides’ discussions.

According to Spanish reporter Toni Juanmarti, the European giants are ‘looking for ways to soften up United’, who only want a full £40m sale of their academy graduate when the window opens.

Barcelona, on the other hand, are keen to hash out a deal that sees them take Rashford on loan for a full campaign with an option-to-buy included – similar to his Villa contract.

Alas, it’s safe to say work is needed before we see Rashford donning the colours of any potential new suitor.