Marcus Rashford Transfer Update: Barcelona Move Back in Play After Wage Demand Change
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is reportedly open to lowering his wage demands in an effort to push through a move to Barcelona, as the 27-year-old looks to revive his career ahead of next summer’s World Cup.
Rashford, who spent the second half of the 2024–25 season on loan at Aston Villa, is set to return to Old Trafford after Unai Emery’s side chose not to trigger a £40 million option to make the deal permanent. With playing time at United under threat and his form under scrutiny, the England international is believed to be actively exploring a move away — and La Liga giants Barcelona remain on his radar.
Rashford Prepared to Lower Salary to Join Barcelona
According to Catalan outlet Sport, Rashford is now willing to reduce his current £315,000-per-week wages in order to complete a transfer to Barcelona. The Spanish club have been monitoring his situation for several months but were reportedly more focused on alternative attacking targets — most notably Liverpool’s Luis Díaz.
However, Rashford’s flexibility on financial terms could reopen negotiations, particularly as Barcelona continue their rebuild and weigh up value signings under ongoing financial constraints. While the Camp Nou outfit have not yet submitted a formal offer, Rashford’s gesture indicates that the forward sees Barcelona as a preferred destination.
🚨🏴 More on Marcus Rashford. He was already keen on joining Barcelona last January… and he remains very keen on the project.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 28, 2025
Positive feelings on player side again after new meeting, but still early stages club to club.
Barça have more options + Man United insist on £40m. pic.twitter.com/ApdnPeOhSF
Why Barcelona Might Still Hesitate
Even with reduced wage expectations, Rashford faces stiff competition for a starting role at Barcelona. Raphinha has been a consistent performer on the left wing, while Lamine Yamal is seen as the club’s long-term solution on the right. In the central striker position, Robert Lewandowski remains first-choice, and Barcelona’s interest in Diaz suggests they are prioritizing wide players with more consistent recent output.
That leaves Rashford needing to prove he can regain his peak form—something that’s eluded him in recent seasons—and perhaps offer versatility as a secondary striker or rotational winger. Still, the appeal of adding an experienced, pacey forward at a discounted salary could tempt Barcelona to revisit the possibility.
Aston Villa Loan Review: Rashford Struggles to Make Impact
Rashford’s loan move to Aston Villa in January 2025 was intended to offer a fresh start following a turbulent period at Manchester United. But despite early signs of promise, his spell at Villa Park was underwhelming: just two goals and two assists in 10 Premier League appearances.
Villa, who had the option to purchase him for £40 million, ultimately chose not to make the deal permanent. According to sources close to the club, Unai Emery believed Rashford did not fit into the long-term tactical framework, especially with the emergence of younger wide options and the success of Leon Bailey and Moussa Diaby.
Marcus Rashford is willing to take a wage cut and join Barcelona on a simple loan with no strings attached — and he's now more likely to arrive than Luis Díaz. pic.twitter.com/PUwZXodJBp
— Transfer News (@TransfersLlVE) June 1, 2025
What Other Clubs Could Move for Rashford?
If Barcelona decide against pursuing Rashford, several other European heavyweights could enter the race — although no formal bids have emerged yet.
Paris Saint-Germain
Rashford has long been linked with a switch to Paris Saint-Germain, with previous interest dating back to 2022. But with Bradley Barcola and newly signed Khvicha Kvaratskhelia operating on the flanks, PSG seem well-stocked on the wings. A move to Paris appears unlikely unless one of those players departs or the club sees Rashford as a rotation option.
Bayern Munich
Reports in Germany suggest Bayern Munich are in the market for a left-sided attacker, and Rashford could fit the profile. His speed and direct play might complement the Bundesliga champions’ high-tempo attack, especially as Bayern prepare to refresh their aging front line.
While no concrete offer has been made, Rashford’s availability and potential reduced cost could make him a low-risk option for the Bavarians.
Serie A & Saudi Pro League Interest
There is also tentative interest from clubs in Italy and the Saudi Pro League, but Rashford is understood to prefer staying in one of Europe’s top leagues to maintain his place in England’s national setup ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Is There a Way Back at Manchester United?
Back at Manchester United, Rashford’s path to the starting XI looks increasingly blocked. New manager Ruben Amorim is already reshaping the squad and has prioritized attacking reinforcements. The club has secured Matheus Cunha, who is expected to play in one of the dual No.10 roles behind a central striker.
In addition, United are actively pursuing Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo, and the arrival of another wide attacker would further reduce Rashford’s chances. Even the option of using him as a central striker looks bleak, with United continuing to track Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyökeres.
Given these developments, sources close to the club believe that Rashford’s chances of reviving his career at Old Trafford are slim. Despite being a boyhood United fan and product of the club’s academy, a summer transfer now seems the most logical outcome for all parties.
🚨 Marcus Rashford will return to Man United after loan to Aston Villa… and will be available for £40m this summer.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 26, 2025
Same price as buy option clause into his Villa loan contract available also to other clubs.
Rashford will assess all options ahead of the summer transfer window. pic.twitter.com/vBcvv6Cc1K
What’s Next for Rashford?
As the summer transfer window gathers momentum, Rashford and his representatives will be focused on securing regular minutes at the highest level. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada just a year away, the England international knows he needs to find a club where he can play regularly and perform consistently to remain in Gareth Southgate’s plans.
At 27, Rashford is still in his prime, but his career is at a crossroads. Whether he lands at Barcelona or elsewhere, this summer represents a critical juncture in determining whether he can fulfill the potential that once made him one of the most exciting young forwards in European football.
Marcus Rashford – Career Snapshot (As of June 2025)
- Age: 27
- Position: Left Wing / Forward
- Current Club: Manchester United
- Loan Club (2025): Aston Villa
- United Contract Expires: June 2026
- Weekly Wages: £315,000
- 2024–25 Season (All Competitions):
- Apps: 18
- Goals: 3
- Assists: 2
Transfer Summary: Key Updates
Club | Status |
Barcelona | Rashford willing to lower wages; no formal offer yet |
Aston Villa | Opted not to sign him permanently after loan spell |
PSG | Unlikely due to current winger options |
Bayern Munich | Possible interest; searching for a left-sided attacker |
Manchester United | Unlikely to retain Rashford amid new signings |
Marcus Rashford on IG:
— UtdDistrict (@UtdDistrict) June 11, 2025
"Feeling good again 😁" pic.twitter.com/we4if2QxZQ
Verdict: Time for a New Chapter
Marcus Rashford’s decision to reduce his salary expectations signals a desire to find the right footballing project, not just a payday. Whether that means reviving a move to Barcelona, exploring other top-tier clubs in Europe, or even considering a left-field option, this summer is likely to shape the next and most decisive phase of his career.
If Barcelona rekindle serious interest, Rashford’s pace, work rate, and experience could make him a valuable addition — but the clock is ticking as clubs finalize their summer business. For Manchester United, a clean break may finally provide clarity and resolution for a once-promising star who now needs a new platform to shine.
