Barcelona are orchestrating a sensational summer move for Manchester United's embattled forward Marcus Rashford, according to explosive reports emerging from Spain.
The Catalan giants, alongside Premier League rivals Newcastle United, are closely monitoring the 26-year-old England international's increasingly strained relationship with Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag. Rashford's future at Old Trafford has been plunged into serious doubt following a dramatic dip in form and a series of off-pitch controversies.
La Liga Giants See Opportunity in United Turmoil
Spanish publication Sport claims Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, views Rashford's current predicament as a unique market opportunity. The club believes they could secure the services of a world-class talent for a fee significantly below his true market value, capitalising on the unrest at Manchester United.
This interest signals a potential shift in Barcelona's transfer strategy, moving away from their traditional preference for veteran stars on free transfers towards acquiring younger, high-potential players who are available at a cut price.
Newcastle Waiting in the Wings as Domestic Suitor
While Barcelona leads the charge from abroad, domestic interest is also simmering. Newcastle United, backed by their Saudi Arabian ownership, are also keeping a watchful eye on developments.
The Magpies' interest, however, is understood to be contingent on resolving their own Financial Fair Play (FFP) constraints. A move for Rashford would likely require a major player sale to generate the necessary funds for such a blockbuster deal and to accommodate his substantial wage demands.
A Season of Struggle On and Off the Pitch
Rashford's potential availability stems from a bitterly disappointing campaign. The academy graduate has managed a mere eight goals across all competitions, a stark contrast to his 30-goal haul last season.
His form has been compounded by off-field issues, most notably a much-publicised night out in Belfast in January, which led to him being disciplined by Ten Hag after he missed training. This incident has been cited as a key moment in the apparent breakdown of his relationship with the manager.
With United's new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, promising a ruthless summer clear-out, Rashford's name is now prominently featured on the list of players who could be sacrificed to fund a major squad overhaul.
