Report: United Forward Emerges as Leading Option for Barcelona | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford to Barcelona? United Star Emerges as Top Target Amid Transfer Turmoil

Barcelona Set Sights on Rashford After Missed Targets

Marcus Rashford has shot to the top of Barcelona’s wishlist for the left-wing position, according to Sky in Germany. The Manchester United forward is now the Catalan club’s “clear left-wing target” following failed moves for Liverpool’s Luis Díaz and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, who recently signed a new deal.

Sky Sports News reports that Barça are “prepared to go all-in” to secure the 27-year-old England international this summer. With Liverpool rejecting overtures for Díaz and Williams off the market, Rashford has become the most realistic elite-level option for the Spanish giants.

United Exit Edges Closer for Rashford

Rashford’s departure from Manchester United appears increasingly inevitable. After spending the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa—where he stated he wanted a “new challenge”—he has returned to Carrington but is training alone in the medical and rehab facilities, despite being granted extra time off.

Sky Sports also confirms that Rashford is one of five United players who have been informed they can explore other options. Ruben Amorim has reportedly made it clear that Rashford “does not figure” in his plans going forward.

No Official Offers Yet, But Barca Dream Alive

Though no official bids have been submitted, Rashford is keen on a move to Barcelona. “Barcelona remains Rashford’s preferred destination should he leave United this summer,” reports Sky Sports’ Lyall Thomas.

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The financial situation at Barcelona could complicate any move, however. LaLiga’s strict financial controls and the club’s recent struggles with player registration mean a creative structure would be required to make a deal work. United, for their part, would prefer a permanent transfer and are unlikely to consider another loan spell.

Crucially, Rashford wants to play Champions League football but is not open to relocating to London. His camp has also ruled out any part-exchange involvement, further narrowing the potential pathways out of Old Trafford.

Pressure Mounts Ahead of Pre-Season

With United closing in on Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, who they hope to sign before the US pre-season tour, Rashford’s status within the squad looks more uncertain than ever. Matheus Cunha has already taken the No.10 shirt, a symbolic shift that underlines how far Rashford’s stock has fallen at United.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As a Manchester United supporter, this news about Marcus Rashford potentially heading to Barcelona stirs up mixed emotions. On one hand, Rashford is one of our own — a product of the academy, a local lad who once lit up Old Trafford with his pace, directness, and passion. His breakthrough under Louis van Gaal and explosive form under Ole Gunnar Solskjær will always be remembered fondly.

But sentimentality can only carry you so far. Rashford has looked a shadow of himself over the past year. His loan to Aston Villa last season, coupled with his admission of wanting a “new challenge,” felt like a soft goodbye. And now, training away from the main group, stripped of the iconic No.10 shirt, and not in Ruben Amorim’s plans — it’s hard to argue against his time at United coming to a natural end.

Still, the idea of him joining Barcelona does come with a tinge of pride. If a club like Barça still sees him as their “top left-wing target,” then maybe there’s more to come from Marcus. But there’s frustration too — because many fans feel his decline was as much about the club’s inconsistency as it was about his own. Injuries, poor tactical setups, and off-field distractions all played their part.