Barcelona Interested in Marcus Rashford Deal Amid Ansu Fati Uncertainty
The summer transfer window may be weeks away, but Barcelona are already setting the groundwork for what could be one of the most intriguing moves of the window — a potential swoop for Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford. Sources close to the club have confirmed that Barça’s interest in the England international hasn’t faded, and a transfer could finally materialize — but only if a key domino falls first.
That domino? None other than Ansu Fati.
Rashford’s Bumpy Season and the Villa Chapter
Rashford’s current campaign hasn’t exactly gone to plan. After falling out of favour at Manchester United and struggling with consistency and form, a January move became inevitable. Though Barcelona were monitoring the situation closely during the winter window, financial constraints meant they couldn’t afford a loan package, which included hefty wages and a potential option to buy.
Instead, it was Unai Emery’s Aston Villa who secured Rashford’s services temporarily. The forward joined Villa Park on loan with a reported £40 million option to make the move permanent at the end of the season. His time at Villa has been a mixed bag. While he’s shown glimpses of the explosive pace and goal-scoring instincts that once made him one of Europe’s hottest prospects, the consistency hasn’t quite been there.
Now, as Villa’s Champions League hopes hang in the balance, the likelihood of them triggering that £40m option is in serious doubt. That has opened the door for Barcelona once again.
Barcelona’s Longstanding Admiration
It’s no secret that Marcus Rashford has long been admired within the corridors of Camp Nou. New manager Hansi Flick, who takes charge of the Catalan side this summer, is said to be a keen admirer of the England man. So too is sporting director Deco, who sees Marcus Rashford as a player capable of adding depth, versatility and flair to a forward line currently undergoing a bit of a reshuffle.
Both Flick and Deco were keen to explore a deal in January, but any hope of movement was blocked — not by United, nor by Marcus Rashford himself, but rather by the club’s inability to offload Ansu Fati and free up financial wiggle room.
Ansu Fati: The Key to Marcus Rashford’s Future
Ironically, it’s Ansu Fati — once considered the heir to Lionel Messi — who now stands in the way of Barcelona’s pursuit of Marcus Rashford. The 21-year-old winger has endured a frustrating season riddled with injuries and lack of opportunities, clocking fewer than 300 minutes across all competitions.
In January, Fati made it clear that he intended to stay and fight for his spot. While commendable, that decision didn’t sit well with the Barcelona hierarchy, who were eager to move his £200,000-a-week salary off the books.
Now, with Flick’s arrival signalling a fresh start — but not necessarily for Fati — the Spanish winger has reportedly softened his stance. Sources close to the player say he is finally open to a summer move if the right offer comes in. That shift in mindset could be the green light Barça needs to properly pursue Marcus Rashford.
Zahavi’s Influence and Laporta’s Ambitions
Adding an extra layer of intrigue is the presence of Pini Zahavi — the high-profile agent now representing both Marcus Rashford and Barcelona manager Hansi Flick. Zahavi’s close relationship with Barça president Joan Laporta could prove pivotal in getting the deal over the line.
Earlier this month, it emerged that Marcus Rashford had aligned himself with Zahavi, perhaps in anticipation of a move to Catalonia. The connection is no coincidence. Barcelona see Zahavi as a reliable bridge to top-tier talent, and Marcus Rashford’s willingness to take a significant pay cut underscores just how badly he wants the move.
At Manchester United, Marcus Rashford earns north of £325,000 per week — a figure that is simply unfeasible under Barcelona’s current wage structure. But the player’s desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt may be strong enough to overcome that obstacle.
Manchester United’s Asking Price
While Rashford’s salary might be negotiable, the transfer fee could prove more complicated. If Aston Villa choose not to exercise their purchase option, Rashford will return to Old Trafford — but United are unlikely to entertain any loan proposals at that point.
The Red Devils are said to want a permanent sale and could demand upwards of £60 million. That figure is well beyond what Barcelona can currently offer unless they generate funds through outgoings — Fati, again, being the key candidate.
If Barça can offload Fati for a decent fee and get his wages off the books, they may be able to propose a structured deal for Marcus Rashford — potentially including performance-related bonuses or instalment-based payments to soften the upfront hit.
What Marcus Rashford Offers Barcelona
At 27, Marcus Rashford is entering what should be the prime of his career. While his form this season has been patchy, there’s no denying his raw talent. His pace, directness, and ability to play both centrally and on the left wing make him an attractive option for a club like Barcelona, who are looking to build a younger, more dynamic squad under Flick.
Moreover, Rashford’s off-pitch profile — as an intelligent, socially engaged and globally recognisable figure — would align well with Barcelona’s brand-building goals. In many ways, he fits the mould of a modern Barça signing: talented, versatile, and marketable.
The Verdict: Will It Happen?
So, will it actually happen?
There are still plenty of moving parts. Ansu Fati needs to find a new home. Barcelona must restructure finances. Marcus Rashford has to hold his nerve and wait out both Villa’s and United’s decisions. But the stars are beginning to align in a way that they weren’t six months ago.
Rashford seems motivated, Flick is on board, and the boardroom has green-lit the pursuit — provided space can be made financially. If Fati’s exit materializes in the coming weeks, don’t be surprised to see Rashford don the famous Barcelona jersey before the new La Liga season kicks off.
In a summer that promises twists and turns, this could be one of the headline transfers — not just because of the talent involved, but because of the story behind it.
