Marcus Rashford Pushes for Shock Exit as ‘Dream’ Move Nears Completion

Marcus Rashford

Marcus Rashford Pushes for Shock Exit as ‘Dream’ Move Nears Completion

Festus Chuma 09:38 - 01.05.2025

Marcus Rashford eyes Barcelona move, willing to take pay cut, but Manchester United's £50m asking price could block transfer.

Marcus Rashford has already made a compromise to ensure his desired move materializes with the Manchester United forward reportedly willing to take a significant pay cut to join his dream club.

The England international, currently on loan at Aston Villa, appears to be steering toward an exit from Old Trafford as interest mounts from European giants.

Rashford’s loan spell at Villa Park has been encouraging, despite a recent hamstring injury halting his progress.

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The 27-year-old has managed 10 goal contributions in just 17 games under Unai Emery, showing signs of rediscovering the form that once made him a talisman at United.

"The signs are beginning to point towards a parting of the ways, with Rashford understood to be placing great emphasis on signing for a club with Champions League football," Team Talk wrote.

That ambition could rule Aston Villa out of the running, with the Midlands club currently seventh in the Premier League.

Although Villa hold a £40 million option to buy clause as part of the loan agreement, Rashford’s desire to compete at the highest European level appears to be taking precedence.

According to fresh reporting from the i newspaper, Rashford’s ‘dream’ move is to join LaLiga giants Barcelona.

The Catalan club, despite their ongoing financial struggles, remain interested in signing the versatile forward.

Rashford is believed to be ‘willing to take a substantial pay cut’ from his current £325,000-a-week salary to help make the move happen.

But his dream is not without hurdles. Manchester United, recognizing Rashford’s value and the resurgence in his form, are reportedly demanding £50 million if he is sold to clubs other than Aston Villa.

That valuation could be a sticking point for Barcelona, who are unwilling to meet even the £40 million buy option Villa holds.

The ball may now be in United’s court, with Rashford’s hopes hinging on whether his parent club is willing to lower the asking price.

A discounted deal could help facilitate the forward’s switch to Spain, while also easing the financial burden on Barcelona.

However, doing so could impact new manager Ruben Amorim’s summer transfer budget, especially with United already eyeing costly additions such as Matheus Cunha (£62.5m) and Liam Delap (£30m).

Further complicating matters is the role Rashford may have to accept at Camp Nou. Barcelona boast a formidable front three in Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal.

To seal the move, Rashford would need to be content with a rotation or squad role, something that may prove difficult for a player used to being a regular starter.

Nonetheless, Barcelona’s need for depth as they compete on multiple fronts could open the door for Rashford’s inclusion in the squad.

His ability to play on the wing or centrally makes him an attractive option for Xavi’s side, especially if he is prepared to embrace a new challenge in a different role.