Man Utd could use Marcus Rashford to land £78m superstar with talks already underway | Football | Sport
Manchester United could use Barcelona‘s interest in Marcus Rashford to make a £78million signing for a fraction of the price. Rashford has been spending the season on loan at the Nou Camp, where he has shone since leaving Old Trafford in the summer. Barcelona are reportedly eager to land him on a permanent basis before the start of the 2026/27 campaign.
A clause in Rashford’s deal would allow the Catalan giants to sign him for around £26m at the end of the season. Barcelona have been trying to negotiate a lower fee but United are adamant that the purchase clause must be paid in full. However, another arrangement could see the Red Devils emerge as big winners.
United are thought to be weighing up a potential move for Barcelona left-back Alejandro Balde. It’s been reported that club chiefs are looking to sign a left-sided player in addition to at least one central midfielder in the summer.
Talks have already started between the two clubs, according to Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, with United reaching out to ask about Balde’s situation.
Earlier this month, it was claimed that Barcelona are willing to consider offers in the region of £78m. United, however, could try to lower the asking price by including Rashford in a part-exchange deal that would send Balde the other way.
They aren’t the only club in the race, though. The report adds that Manchester City and Aston Villa have also been tracking Balde ahead of the summer window.
If either team is willing to pay the £78m asking price straight away, it could scupper any hope of United negotiating a cheaper deal involving Rashford.
It’s also said that Balde has no intention of changing clubs as things stand, which could make things even more difficult for the Red Devils.
The young defender is a graduate of Barcelona’s youth academy and has already made 160 senior appearances for the La Liga winners.
He has been their first choice at left-back this season, starting in almost every game he has been available for. On average, he has managed 1.7 tackles, 3.7 ball recoveries and 3.9 successful duels per match.
Although he usually plays on the left side of a back four, Balde has also been tested as a winger in training. His versatility, consistency and high potential for growth would make him a solid addition for United ahead of next season.
However, it remains to be seen if the Red Devils will be successful in their pursuit of his signature. They would boost their hopes of completing a summer move by securing Champions League qualification through a top-five Premier League finish.
