Rashford’s Barcelona Talks
Marcus Rashford, the 27-year-old Manchester United forward, is edging closer to a move to Barcelona after the La Liga giants shifted focus from Athletic Club’s Nico Williams, who signed a 10-year deal. United have reduced their asking price from £50m to £40m, a £10m discount, as Rashford is not in Ruben Amorim’s plans for 2025/26. Barcelona, led by Deco, view Rashford as a key addition to Hansi Flick’s attack alongside Lamine Yamal, with talks set to intensify this week. Rashford, who scored 4 goals and 5 assists in 17 games on loan at Aston Villa in 2024/25, expressed his desire to leave United in December 2024, citing a need for a “new challenge.” His £325,000-a-week wages remain a hurdle, though he’s open to a pay cut to join his “dream” club.
Antony’s Reduced Price
United have also lowered Antony’s asking price to £30.2m from £40m, aiming for a permanent sale of the 24-year-old Brazilian winger. Antony, who joined for £86m in 2022, impressed on loan at Real Betis in 2024/25, scoring 9 goals and adding 5 assists in 26 games. Betis want to extend his loan, but United prioritize a permanent transfer to cut losses, with Amorim excluding him from plans. Antony’s 1.8 dribbles and 1.6 key passes per game in La Liga show his revival, making a return to Spain ideal, though Juventus and Galatasaray also show interest.
United’s Transfer Strategy
United’s pre-season, starting July 7, 2025, sees five players—Rashford, Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia—granted late returns to explore exits. The club confirmed Matheus Cunha (£62.5m from Wolves) as their No. 10 and Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno, but their pursuit of Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo (£65m) stalls. Amorim’s focus on squad overhaul follows a trophyless 2024/25, with Rashford’s 17 goals and 6 assists (2.1 shots per game) not enough to secure his place. United aim to use Rashford’s sale, pure profit as an academy product, to fund a new centre-forward, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Christopher Nkunku linked.
Barcelona’s Interest
Barcelona’s interest in Rashford intensified after failing to sign Liverpool’s Luis Diaz and Williams, with Bayern Munich also in the race but trailing. Rashford’s desire to play with Yamal and his 60 England caps make him a fit for Flick’s 4-3-3, though his wage demands and United’s €45m valuation complicate talks. Ronald Araujo’s potential sale could fund the move. Rashford’s camp remains hopeful, with a loan or permanent deal possible before the September 1 deadline.
Next Steps
Rashford’s talks with Barcelona, starting this week, could see him join pre-season in Catalonia by July 15, with a medical pending agreement. Antony’s likely destination is Betis, but United’s push for a permanent sale may delay progress. United’s pre-season friendly against AC Milan on July 26 and Premier League opener against Arsenal on August 15 loom, with Cunha and Mbeumo expected to lead the attack. Fans on X are divided, some backing Rashford’s “fresh start” at Barcelona, others lamenting his exit after 145 Premier League goals. United’s transfer activity, including interest in Richard Rios, aims to rebuild for a top-four push.
