Marcus Rashford: Manchester United and Barcelona reach agreement for transfer

Barcelona and Manchester United have reached an agreement for Marcus Rashford to join the Spanish club, according to reports.

Rashford, who has just finished a six-month loan at Aston Villa, is free to leave Manchester United this summer. The England forward has been focused on moving to Barcelona, even though other clubs were also interested.

That focus seems to have worked out, as The Athletic first reported that talks between the two clubs were moving in a positive direction.

Barcelona have offered to take Rashford on loan first. He has reportedly agreed to take a big pay cut from his current wages of over £325,000 per week to fit into Barcelona’s budget.

The deal includes an option for Barcelona to buy him permanently next summer. Football journalist Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that a full agreement is in place.

Barcelona are using the loan option to help with their financial situation.

Manchester United had originally wanted to sell Rashford permanently and hoped to get around £40 million. But since Rashford only wanted to join Barcelona, and Barcelona couldn’t afford that price, United had to change their plans.

Talks are now in the final stages. Barcelona’s new manager, Hansi Flick, has given his approval after speaking directly with Rashford.

Barcelona have been looking for a new left winger all summer. They thought they had a deal for Spain’s Nico Williams from Athletic Club, but he turned them down. They also looked at Liverpool’s Luis Díaz, but the price was too high.