BARCELONA have reportedly reached an agreement in principle with Manchester United over the signing of forward Marcus Rashford, with talks now progressing toward a loan move that includes an option to buy.
According to Sky Sports News, ongoing discussions are focused on the division of Rashford’s wages and potential compensation if Barcelona choose not to activate the buy option at the end of the loan.
Rashford has reportedly identified Barcelona as his preferred destination since he hinted at seeking a new challenge back in December, following his exclusion from the first-team plans by United manager Ruben Amorim.
BBC Sport also reports that intermediaries have been involved in negotiations, and both parties believe a deal is realistic.
The 27-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he made 17 appearances, scoring four goals and registering six assists.
Despite flashes of form, Rashford remains one of five players training separately from the United first team amid uncertainty over their futures.
The England international, who earns £325,000 per week, second only to Casemiro at United, does not see a path back into the team under Amorim’s leadership and is determined to move on.
Barcelona had previously targeted Spain winger Nico Williams, but he opted to sign a new 10-year deal with Athletic Bilbao, forcing the Catalan club to pivot toward Rashford.
From United’s perspective, Rashford’s departure, even on an initial loan, would significantly ease their financial burden, as they aim to create room for new signings after committing over £130 million to bring in Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo.
