Barcelona are preparing to test Manchester United's resolve with a stunning summer swoop for England international Marcus Rashford, according to exclusive reports emerging from Spain.
The Catalan giants have identified the 26-year-old forward as a prime target as they look to bolster their attacking options ahead of next season. Despite Rashford's recent contract extension keeping him at Old Trafford until 2028, Barcelona believe financial pressures could force United to consider offers for their homegrown star.
Financial Fair Play Forces United's Hand
Manchester United's well-documented struggles with Financial Fair Play compliance have put several first-team players in the shop window. The Red Devils need to raise significant funds through player sales this summer to balance their books and free up transfer budget for new manager Erik ten Hag's rebuild.
Barcelona's sporting director Deco sees this as the perfect opportunity to pounce for a player who has long been admired at the Camp Nou. Despite Rashford's inconsistent form this season, his proven quality and potential availability have put him firmly on Barcelona's radar.
Rashford's Rollercoaster Season
The Manchester-born forward has endured a challenging campaign, managing just eight goals across all competitions - a stark contrast to his career-best 30 goals last season. However, Barcelona's hierarchy believes a change of scenery could help rediscover the form that made him one of Europe's most feared attackers.
Rashford's versatility to play across the front line makes him particularly attractive to Barcelona, who value tactical flexibility in their forward players. His pace and direct running style would offer a different dimension to Barcelona's possession-based approach.
Transfer Fee Complications
While Barcelona are keen on the move, their own financial constraints mean any deal would need to be structured creatively. The Spanish champions may explore player-exchange options or a loan-with-obligation-to-buy arrangement that would suit both clubs' current financial situations.
United value Rashford at around £80 million, but Barcelona would likely need to negotiate that figure down significantly given their economic limitations and the player's diminished form this season.
Ten Hag's Dilemma
The potential sale presents Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag with a difficult decision. While Rashford remains one of the club's most marketable assets and a fan favourite, his inconsistent performances have frustrated the Dutch tactician at times this campaign.
Ten Hag must weigh whether cashing in on Rashford would provide the necessary funds to strengthen multiple positions, or whether keeping the academy graduate represents a better long-term investment for the club's rebuild.
With the summer transfer window approaching, this developing story promises to be one of the sagas of the summer as two European giants navigate their financial challenges while battling for one of English football's most recognisable talents.
