Marcus Rashford: Barcelona want Pedro Neto as United loanee’s replacement | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford has put his career back on track since leaving Manchester United this summer to join Barcelona on a season-long loan. The Englishman rose through the ranks at the Theatre of Dreams and went from strength to strength, before enjoying the best season of his career under Erik ten Hag.

Rashford registered 30 goals and 12 assists in 56 appearances across all competitions in the 2022/23 campaign, and was subsequently handed a new deal in the summer of 2023.

However, the Englishman failed to build on that success and endured a prolonged lack of form after the renewal. Things went from bad to worse when Ruben Amorim took charge at Old Trafford as Ten Hag’s replacement in November last year.

A fallout with Amorim

Despite scoring the first goal of the Amorim era, Rashford soon became a peripheral figure under the Portuguese head coach, and was offloaded on loan to Aston Villa in January this year. Over the summer, it was clear that United no longer had their academy graduate in their plans, and Barcelona offered him an escape from the Theatre of Dreams.

Rashford adapted to Spanish football with ease, and has since become one of Hansi Flick’s most trusted men. The 28 year old has scored six goals and set up nine more in 19 games in all competitions this season.

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Source: Transfermarkt.

Barcelona reportedly have a €30 million option to make Rashford’s stay at Camp Nou permanent and it was previously believed that they could exercise the clause.

However, a recent report relayed by The Peoples Person states that the Catalans are yet to make a decision on the Englishman’s future. An update on the situation has now emerged.

Barcelona want Pedro Neto

According to Fichajes, Barcelona have identified Chelsea forward Pedro Neto as a possible alternative to Rashford. The report adds that the Portuguese fits the profile demanded by Hansi Flick, and the Catalans are willing to offer €50 million for his signature, with an additional €20 million in add-ons.

The LaLiga champions are pleased with Neto’s versatility, with the player comfortable on both wings. The 25 year old has not been in his element this season, but that has not stopped Barcelona, who are planning to submit their opening offer for the player.

That could spell trouble for Rashford and raise some frowns at the Theatre of Dreams as well.

Final Thoughts

Rashford is under contract with the Red Devils until 2028, but is no longer part of Amorim’s plans. As such, even if the Catalans opt against exercising their purchase option, the Englishman is unlikely to stay at the Theatre of Dreams.

The player is already one of the highest earners at the club, so the Red Devils will be desperate to offload him permanently next summer. If Marcus Rashford continues his solid run in Spain, he will not be short of options in 2026.

Featured image Alex Caparros via Getty Images

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