By Samuel A. July 19, 2025
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is closing in on a loan move to Barcelona that could become permanent at the end of the upcoming season. There is a broad agreement in principle between the clubs for the 27-year-old. The deal under discussion would give Barcelona the option to buy Rashford at the end of the season for about €35m. Barcelona are also expected to cover all of Rashford’s wages during the period of this loan deal.
The England international had publicly expressed his desire to play for Barcelona this summer, and was interested in a move to the Catalan club, even before joining Aston Villa on loan in January. Asked by a Spanish influencer if he would like to play alongside Lamine Yamal, Rashford said: “Yes, for sure. Everyone wants to play with the best. Hopefully… we’ll see.”
Rashford’s potential move is understood to have been given the green light by head coach Hansi Flick after he spoke with the player.
It is thought Liverpool forward Luis Diaz was an initial priority target, but Barcelona were forced to back out of the move due to Liverpool overpricing the player.
Rashford will still have two years left on his United deal when this proposed loan move ends. The academy graduate is one of five players who have been given extra time off to explore potential moves away this summer from the Red Devils.
Rashford’s career at Old Trafford has appeared to be over since Ruben Amorim claimed he “would rather put his 63-year-old goalkeeper coach on the bench than the forward” because of what he apparently considered a lack of effort.
He joined Aston Villa on loan in January, making 17 appearances and earning an England recall, but returned to Old Trafford last month with his longer-term future still uncertain. However, that uncertainty has been more about where he would go rather than whether he would stay, with the England international being one of five players who told the club they wanted to leave – and who were subsequently told to train separately from the rest of the squad.
