Marcus Rashford has been at the centre of transfer speculation throughout the current campaign. The Manchester United forward is on loan at Barcelona and has made no secret of his wish to stay at the Camp Nou.
The 28-year-old, who previously had a stint at Aston Villa, last featured for United in December 2024. Rashford has racked up 14 goals and 14 assists in 48 appearances for Barcelona, playing a key role in Hansi Flick's side clinching La Liga.
The Catalan giants hold the option to sign Rashford permanently for £26 million but are yet to activate the clause, with the deadline approaching. As the La Liga champions deliberate over their next move, Mirror Football examines the paths open to Rashford ahead of the summer transfer window.
Real Madrid Interest
The Spanish heavyweights are claimed to be eyeing a surprise swoop for Rashford, should Barcelona choose not to exercise their purchase option. Real Madrid are closing in on the appointment of Jose Mourinho as their new manager, who previously worked with the forward during his tenure at Old Trafford.
Spanish outlet Sport has reported that Mourinho is keen for the 28-year-old to link up with him in Madrid. Rashford is regarded as a valuable addition, with his potential signing also set to unsettle Barcelona.
The move would only be feasible should Barcelona fail to stump up the agreed £26m fee. However, Rashford has already demonstrated his quality in Spanish football and would undoubtedly bolster Real Madrid's ranks.
Man Utd Return
Rashford found himself frozen out at Old Trafford during Ruben Amorim's tenure. United's dismissal of the Portuguese manager in January has opened the door for the forward to potentially return to his boyhood club in the summer, should a permanent Barcelona deal fail to come to fruition.
While it appears unlikely, interim boss Michael Carrick stopped short of ruling it out last month. "There's decisions to be made on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation," said Carrick, who played alongside Rashford and later coached him at United. "But at this point in time, nothing's been decided. It will be because it has to be at a certain point but at this stage, there's nothing to say."
Barcelona Deal
Barcelona have until June 15 to activate their purchase option for Rashford, who has been vocal about his desire to remain beyond this campaign. The Catalan club are yet to reach an agreement with United, as the Reds are unwilling to budge on the £26m asking price, while Barcelona are seeking to renegotiate the fee or arrange a fresh loan agreement.
Mundo Deportivo reports that Rashford has already agreed a three-year contract with Barcelona in principle. However, Barcelona's financial worries could prompt the forward to renegotiate in favour of a five-year deal, enabling the club to spread the transfer fee across a longer timeframe.
The report adds that his Barcelona wages will be 40 per cent lower than his current earnings at Old Trafford. Back in October, when asked whether he wished to stay, Rashford told ESPN: "Oh yeah, for sure. I'm enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour."
£131m Swap Deal
Meanwhile, former United defender Jaap Stam has floated AC Milan as a potential landing spot for Rashford. United have been linked with AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, who carries a £131m release clause, and Stam believes a swap deal could suit both parties.
"Maybe a swap between Rafael Leao and Marcus Rashford could work," Stam told ComeOn. "Leao is also a good player. He has shown his potential at Milan, of course, in what he can do. I think he is a player that should be on the list of targets for Man Utd."
"Having said that, you need to have a look not only at the skill of a player, but also at the mentality of players. You need to consider the situation where the club is, what player they are bringing in that is going to help the club going forward, so that you don't get any irritations from players who are not being picked to start."
