Manchester United and Marcus Rashford have both been dealt a significant transfer blow after Barcelona made a move for Borussia Dortmund winger Karim Adeyemi. The 24-year-old right winger, valued at £35m, is close to joining the Catalan club, according to ESPN, with an offer already submitted.
Barcelona's move for Adeyemi
The German international has two years left on his Dortmund contract, and his value will drop if he does not sign an extension. Barcelona have made a £17m offer for Adeyemi, though ESPN reports that the deal is "not imminent" and "nothing has been signed." However, the Spanish side have already reached a loose agreement with the player over personal terms, though negotiations with Dortmund continue.
Adeyemi would join England star Anthony Gordon at Barcelona, forming a potentially formidable attacking duo for next season's Champions League campaign. This development is a major blow for Rashford, who had his heart set on moving to the Spotify Nou Camp.
Rashford's uncertain future
Rashford is currently in the United States with England at the World Cup. Despite having two years left on his Manchester United contract, his future at Old Trafford remains uncertain. Newcastle United were priced out of a move for the high-earning forward earlier this summer.
Rashford had previously stated he would wait until after the World Cup to make a decision about his future, despite a lack of bids so far. He said last week: "I was very clear. I wanted any move done before the World Cup. If it's not, I wanted it to wait until after. I want to be fully present in the moment. We're fighting for something special. I don't have the energy to dedicate to [thinking about club uncertainty]."
Maguire's support
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has expressed support for Rashford, saying he would be welcomed back at Old Trafford next season, though the club would prefer to sell him permanently. Maguire told Netflix's The Rest Is Football: "I have an amazing relationship with Marcus and have had some great times with him over the years. I know what a wonderful player he can be. It's up to the club and up to Marcus and finding a mutual agreement. Of course, if Marcus does come back, we want him to come back and play and be happy and confident. It needs to be right for him. It needs to be right for the club. But everyone knows what a great player Marcus can be for whatever club he plays for next season."
