Marcus Rashford’s hopes of making a permanent move from Manchester United to FC Barcelona have been given a new “huge boost”, according to reports.
Rashford secured a dream move to Barcelona in the summer, joining the Spanish giants from Man United on loan with an option to buy for around £30 million.
The England international decided to leave Man United in January at the end of 2024 and had to compromise on a move to Aston Villa.
Rashford’s poor form for 18 months and high salary reduced his chances of signing for Barcelona or another European giant, but Aston Villa were successful in signing the forward after selling John Duran to Al Nasr of the Saudi Professional League.
Read: Manchester United’s Rashford’s 15-word rant explains Ratcliffe’s position on Amorim’s sacking
The risk paid off, with Rashford scoring four goals and providing six assists in 17 appearances for Aston Villa, and his impressive recovery attracted the attention of Barcelona.
In the summer, Hansi Flick’s side confirmed the transfer of Rashford, who scored three goals and provided five assists in his first 10 games for Barcelona.
Based on his current form, Barcelona could sign Rashford in 2026, with a permanent move likely. A new report from Football Insider claims that the “likelihood of an agreement” with both clubs is “just increasing”.
Rashford’s supposed “major addition” is the impending departure of striker Robert Lewandowski, who will leave Barcelona when his current contract expires in 2026.
The report claims:
“According to sources, Lewandowski’s potential departure will not have a direct impact on Rashford’s permanent move to Barcelona, but it could free up wages for the Spanish giants to get a deal over the line.”
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It has also been suggested that Koby Mainu could leave Man United as he has only played a bit part under head coach Ruben Amorim.
In the summer, Man United rejected his request to leave on loan due to their lack of midfield options, but he is still struggling to establish himself as a regular starter at his boyhood club.
So while rumors remain that Maynou has interest from Serie A giants Napoli and could leave ahead of January, a report by journalist Dean Jones to his TEAMtalk colleagues claims Man United have already made a “decision on his controversial departure”.
Their new verdict is said to have been: “We once again hope that if Mainu seeks a transfer, he will prevent him from leaving the club in January.”
The report claims:
“Due to[his]situation, a number of clubs, including many of Man United’s rivals in the Premier League, are keeping an eye on his situation.”
“However, current expectations are that United are not planning on making any transfers in January, so they may have to wait until the end of the season for the door to open.”
