Marcus Rashford is set to join Barcelona on a permanent deal this summer after a spell on loan from Manchester United, but his playing time may not be guaranteed.
Marcus Rashford expected to make permanent move to Barcelona this summer
Marcus Rashford could be in contention for minutes next season if Barcelona make his loan move permanent, given that they are looking for a “mobile striker” in the event of Robert Lewandowski’s departure. The Manchester United star is currently enjoying a season-long spell with Hansi Flick’s Catalan giants.
Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are all established first-team regulars at the Camp Nou and are preferred over Rashford, but the 28-year-old still has 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 games in all competitions. Barcelona also have the option to sign Rashford permanently at the end of the 2025-26 season for around £26 million, but given his reliable performances, it looks increasingly likely that this clause will be triggered.
However, if the versatile forward completes a move, he could face even more competition for playing time from La Liga’s powerhouses next season. At the age of 37, Lewandowski’s future with Barcelona is attracting attention as his contract expires at the end of this season.
This is despite the Polish striker proving he can do more, scoring 10 goals in La Liga this term. As a result, Sport reports that the club is preparing to tap the market for a mobile striker this summer who can effectively link up with his teammates in attack and apply pressure when Barça are not in possession of the ball.
read more: Barcelona release new statement on Marcus Rashford as Manchester United receive update on transfer implications
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Dusan Vlahovic has emerged as a likely option for this position, which means that financially prudent Barcelona will not have to pay a hefty transfer fee for him, given that he meets all the conditions and his contract with Juventus expires at the end of the Serie A season. Tuttosport also reported that Blachowicz has told his agent that he wants to move to Barcelona, but is waiting for a formal approach from the club.
It is also said that the 26-year-old is willing to negotiate new terms with the old man if the offer does not materialize. However, this could ultimately lead to complications for Rashford, as the forward prefers a left-wing position and has demonstrated his adaptability by operating as a central striker.
He has two-and-a-half years left on his existing contract with United, and his long-term prospects at the club remain uncertain. The England international lost his place under manager Ruben Amorim shortly after joining in November 2024 and spent the final months of last season on loan at Aston Villa.
Rashford is enjoying his time at Barcelona (Image: Joan Valls/Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Even after his return, Rashford was considered expendable by the Portuguese manager, and he then made a temporary move to Barcelona in the summer. However, Amorim has been shown the door to Old Trafford and with Michael Carrick in charge until the end of the season, Rashford could return to the club he has dedicated his entire career to if he so desires.
Much will depend on whether Barcelona make his loan move permanent, what Carrick thinks of the forward if given the role on a full-time basis, or whether a new manager arrives who Rashford thinks will fit into his plans.
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