Barcelona launch ambitious €22m bid for a Manchester United star as Catalan giants make a bold January statement of intent.
With Hansi Flick’s side dominating La Liga and chasing European glory, the chance to secure a versatile attacker at a discounted rate aligns perfectly with their financial strategy.
Manchester United face a valuation standoff, but the player’s clear desire to stay gives Barcelona leverage in what could become a defining deal of the January market.
That star is Marcus Rashford, the 28-year-old Englishman whose seven goals and 11 assists in 27 appearances have revitalised his career since arriving on a season-long loan from Old Trafford.
Fichajes reports Barcelona’s proposal totals €22 million—€20 million fixed, payable over three years, plus €2 million in performance variables—falling short of the €30-35 million buy option embedded in his deal.
Manchester United, valuing Rashford higher despite his transitional spells at Aston Villa and under Rúben Amorim, demand the full clause activation or closer to €35 million upfront.
Flick views Rashford as tactical gold: pace to stretch defenses, positional fluidity across the front line, and proven big-game nous, evident in his El Clásico Supercopa exploits against Real Madrid.
The German coach envisions him complementing Lamine Yamal and Robert Lewandowski long-term, especially with Lewandowski’s contract winding down.
Barcelona’s board, led by Deco, prefers deferred payments to ease FFP pressures, proposing alternatives like a second loan with a conditional buy obligation if United balks.
Rashford’s commitment—full wage coverage during his loan and public affection for Camp Nou—tips the scales.
Post-Amorim, United lack urgency to recall him amid their rebuild, while PSG’s Bradley Barcola swap talk fizzled due to his Blaugrana fixation.
Atlético Madrid lurk, but Rashford prioritises Catalonia. As negotiations intensify, Barcelona’s structured bid tests United’s resolve: accept pragmatic terms or risk losing their academy product without maximising value.
A compromise looms, potentially keeping the England international until 2029 and fuelling Flick’s dynasty.
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