Marcus Rashford is “no closer” to securing a move to Barcelona as figures at Camp Nou have “doubts” over signing the Manchester United forward, according to a report.
Rashford, 27, is expected to leave Old Trafford this summer as the England international has no future under Ruben Amorim after their public dispute in December.
Rashford was dropped by the Portuguese coach for the Manchester Derby with Amorim citing issues over attitude and application in training as the reasoning.
Two days later, Rashford publicly declared his desire to leave United in search of a “new challenge” in an unauthorised interview with journalist Henry Winter. It was not well-received amongst the Old Trafford hierarchy, nor Amorim and his coaching staff.
Plans were accelerated for Rashford to leave the club in January with the 27-year-old not playing another minute under Amorim before his eventual loan move to Aston Villa at the end of the winter window.
A £40 million buy-option was included in the move to Villa Park where Rashford enjoyed a mild resurgence under the tutelage of Unai Emery, who was key in convincing the forward to accept the Villans’ proposal.
But with the season having drawn to a close, Villa have not exercised this option and Rashford is set to return to his boyhood club, despite neither party believing it be a long-term reunion.
Rashford’s “dream” this summer is a switch to Spain to join La Liga champions Barcelona.
The Catalan club made an enquiry to sign him in January but the financials involved in a loan proved unworkable. This reality is unlikely to have changed significantly given United’s asking price of £40 million and Rashford’s exorbitant wage packet at Old Trafford, even if he takes a salary cut.
But Barcelona sporting director Deco remains “keen” on the move with Rashford’s versatility – capable of playing on either wing or up front – a complimentary fit in a supporting role to the existing frontline of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Robert Lewandowski.
However, other senior figures at Camp Nou have “doubts” over Rashford as a target while the Blaugrana will need to sell in order to buy this summer. This means Rashford’s “dream move” is “no close to becoming a reality,” the i Paper reveals.
Rashford’s status as an academy player means his sale would constitute ‘pure profit’ from a PSR perspective. And in a summer where every penny will count at Old Trafford, a £40 million cash injection from a player unwanted by the executive structure and the manager would have been a significant boost.
But the “dream” scenario for both player and club looks increasingly unlikely to play out with Barcelona seeking a loan, rather than a permanent deal for Rashford.
Feature image Dan Istitene via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
