Marcus Rashford linked with permanent move to Barcelona
Marcus Rashford has emerged as a top transfer target for Barcelona, who are reportedly preparing to offload players during the summer transfer window as they seek to make the move from Manchester United permanent, reports BritPanorama.
The Catalan club is understood to be considering putting Ferran Torres up for sale, with the former Manchester City winger’s contract expiring in 2027 and concerns growing about losing him without a fee.
United appear to have ruled out extending Rashford’s loan arrangement, insisting on either a permanent departure or keeping the England international. His boyhood club have set an asking price of £26million.
Since arriving at Camp Nou on loan, the 28-year-old has rediscovered his best form, contributing 10 goals and 13 assists across 39 matches in all competitions. His resurgence in Catalonia has also earned him a recall to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup. However, Rashford faces stiff competition for a starting berth on either flank.
The re-election of Joan Laporta as Barcelona president on Sunday has strengthened Rashford’s prospects of remaining at the club. Laporta is understood to be a strong supporter of manager Hansi Flick, who himself wants the English forward to stay. Beyond securing Rashford’s future, Barcelona are also eyeing Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez as a potential long-term successor to Robert Lewandowski. The club intends to offer the Polish veteran a contract extension before his current deal expires this summer.
Rashford admitted he wanted to remain in Barcelona at the end of last year, stating, “Of course this is what I want, but it’s not the reason why I’m pushing and working hard. The reason why is because I want to win. Barcelona is a fantastic club. A club that is known for winning, and it’s this type of pressure – I want to say pressure but it’s not a bad type of pressure. It’s a pressure that you look forward to and a pressure that I want to have whilst I’m playing football.”
As the summer transfer window approaches, the dynamics of Rashford’s situation illustrate not only the flux of club football but also how quickly a player can alter perceptions through performance. For a player once seen as faltering, the spotlight has now shifted dramatically — a reminder of the often fickle nature of fame and fortune in football.
