Barcelona have stepped up efforts to land Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, holding a direct meeting this week with the player’s agent as they shift focus from top target Luis Díaz due to financial constraints.
According to Sport, Barça Director of Football Deco met with Rashford’s representative on Wednesday morning to explore the feasibility of a summer transfer.
With Díaz’s €70–85 million valuation by Liverpool seen as prohibitive, Barcelona are now exploring more financially viable alternatives, and Rashford, who is not in United’s long-term plans, fits the profile.
The Catalan club had considered a January swoop for the England international, but were hamstrung by La Liga’s strict salary cap regulations.
Rashford instead moved on loan to Aston Villa at the eleventh hour. Now, with Deco and new head coach Hansi Flick aligned on his suitability, Barça are revisiting the opportunity, potentially structuring a deal as a loan with a purchase option.
United have reportedly set an asking price of €48 million and prefer a permanent sale to cut ties and offload the forward’s wages.
However, Barcelona are betting on the player’s desire to join them, expecting Rashford to reject other offers and force United’s hand to accept a loan structure.
