Barcelona make Marcus Rashford decision in Luis Diaz transfer race

Barcelona are edging towards a transfer decision in the race to sign Manchester United star Marcus Rashford this summer.

Rashford has returned to Manchester following an impressive six-month loan spell at Aston Villa as Unai Emery’s team just missed out on a UEFA Champions League spot.

Emery has not made a final decision on Rashford, but after injury cut the final weeks of his loan short, the Premier League side are rumoured to be losing interest.

United did not insert a mandatory purchase clause into the loan agreement but Villa have an option to buy the England international for £40m.

Barcelona overtake Villa in Rashford race

As Villa’s interest has reduced, Barcelona have reignited their own link to Rashford, with Hansi Flick looking to bring in a new forward.

However, sales will still be needed to afford United’s asking price, with the club committed to adhering to the 1:1 transfer rule ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Previous reports from Mundo Deportivo indicate Rashford is willing to take a significant pay cut to make the move to Barcelona and drop his salary of £315,000 per week by almost 50%.

United would also contribute a portion of his wages if he agrees to leave before his contract expires in 2028.

Barcelona keep Rashford as Plan B option

Despite keeping a close eye on Rashford’s situation at Old Trafford, he remains a Plan B for Barcelona, alongside Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli and Bayern Munich star Kingsley Coman.

As per a fresh update from MD, Barcelona will only pursue Rashford, if they miss out on No.1 choice Luis Diaz.

Diaz’s contract at Liverpool runs until 2027, with renewal talks starting this month to extend his bond at Anfield, as Barcelona lie in wait.

The Colombia international is viewed as the ideal candidate to rotate with Raphinha and Robert Lewandowski but Liverpool will demand in the region of £70m.