Coach Hansi Flick is reportedly pushing for Barcelona to sign Marcus Rashford after their unsuccessful attempt to acquire Nico Williams. Flick is in search of a genuine left winger who possesses dribbling skills, speed, and scoring ability. Currently, Barcelona’s squad features primarily right-wingers like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Ferran Torres, with Ansu Fati as the only player who could fit the left-wing role, though he is considering leaving.
The deal seems plausible if Barcelona considers including Frenkie de Jong in negotiations. As the highest-paid player at Spotify Camp Nou, exchanging him for Rashford could solve several issues for the club. Rashford, who is under contract with Manchester United until June 2028, is valued at approximately €60 million according to Transfermarkt.
Italian outlets like Calcio Mercato have reported that Barcelona is interested in trading for Rashford, especially as they explore options involving Raphinha, although this deal appears unlikely.
Rashford has had a challenging season, struggling to find form with only two Premier League goals in 14 matches—one against Arsenal and another from a penalty against Everton. His recent performance against Newcastle led to manager Erik Ten Hag substituting him during their victory over Chelsea, suggesting he may need a break.
Despite criticism, Rashford remains a key player for Manchester United, having recently signed a lucrative deal to stay with the club long-term. Ten Hag continues to seek ways to help him regain his best form.
Barcelona may be willing to trade Rashford for Raphinha, who has also faced difficulties in his time at the club. While Xavi Hernandez values Raphinha, his contributions have been less impactful compared to what Rashford has provided at United.
Barcelona won the race to sign Raphinha in the summer of 2022, but they may need to offload him now. With injuries affecting the squad, Raphinha could play a more significant role this season. Reports indicate Barcelona might consider selling him for between £40 million and £50 million, though this is uncertain.
Additionally, Raphinha has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, which could provide a financial boost for Barcelona. However, Xavi has expressed his desire to retain the Brazilian player for the time being.
Similarly, Manchester United is committed to keeping Rashford, emphasizing their long-term investment in the young star.