Marcus Rashford: Atletico Madrid will exploit Barcelona’s decision | OneFootball

Atletico Madrid are prepared to extend Marcus Rashford’s stay in La Liga while dealing a humiliating blow to their bitter rival with one fell swoop, an explosive report from Spain reveals.

A Return to Form

Rashford is enjoying a resurgence in Catalonia after joining Barcelona on a season-long loan over the summer, having lost his way with Manchester United in recent years.

A dispute with Ruben Amorim over Rashford’s professionalism turned nuclear after he released an unauthorised interview declaring his intention to leave United in search of a new challenge.

The 28-year-old forward has not pulled on a the Red shirt since, spending the second half of last season at Aston Villa, before joining Barcelona on loan for this campaign — a move he described as a fulfilling a childhood “dream”.

The deal includes a €30 million buy-option and full coverage of Rashford’s expensive wage packet at Old Trafford. And, given the Englishman’s electric start at Camp Nou, it had appeared a foregone conclusion the clause would be exercised at the end of the season.

Marcus Rashford stats - 2025/26

Rashford has established himself as one of Hansi Flick’s most productive players, providing 18 goals and assists in just 24 appearances for his adopted side.

He has also regained his spot in the England national team ahead of next summer’s World Cup in North America, with Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel a huge fan of his skillset.

But, despite these impressive numbers, Barcelona have decided against activating the buy option to sign Rashford permanently, with the Spanish champions prioritising different signings this summer, as explained in greater detail here.

This means a humiliating return to Manchester, under a coach and executive structure who hoped to have seen the last of him — and why Atletico’s plan provides a lifeline to both parties to convert their  separation into a divorce.

Rashford “will move” to Atletico

Spanish outlet Fichajes contends Atletico are accelerating plans to sign Rashford — a player the club consider a “top reinforcement for Diego Simeone’s squad, bringing speed, power, and the ability to play in multiple attacking positions.”

Los Colchoneros view the €30m fee as “manageable” and well priced for a forward with Rashford’s experience and pedigree, who has demonstrated he can translate his talents to Spanish football thsi season.

It’s further revealed that Rashford wants to remain in Spain as he believes “LaLiga suits his playing style.” 

The report concludes: “If there are no last-minute changes, Marcus Rashford will move from Manchester United to Atlético de Madrid through a direct transfer”.

From United’s perspective, there is zero concern which Spanish giant signs the Carrington graduate on a permanent deal — simply that it does happen, eliminating the possibility of Amorim’s most explosive ‘bomb squad’ member returning to Manchester and removing the club’s most exorbitant salary from the wage bill at the same time.

Featured image Alex Caparros via Getty Images

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