‘It’s a painful deal’ – Marcus Rashford makes sacrifice to complete Barcelona move
Marcus Rashford has made a “sacrifice” to join Barcelona in what is a “painful deal” for Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim’s side were keen to move the England international on this summer after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa.
Rashford has now sealed a move away from Old Trafford after his switch to Barcelona was confirmed last week.
The Spanish giants have the option to buy the 27-year-old for €30million (£26million) as part of the agreement, while they will also pay his entire £325,000-a-week wages.
Barcelona are currently unable to register Rashford due to La Liga’s salary rules, but they have assured him they will be able to do so by the end of the transfer window.
Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson exclusively told Football Insider Man United would have been expecting to receive £50million for the forward.
Rashford registered 11 goals and nine assists in 41 appearances last season, with four of those strikes coming on loan at Villa.
Man United get extra £20m after Marcus Rashford exit
Borson revealed United will save £20million in wages after loaning Rashford to Barcelona.
He told Football Insider: “He only wanted to go to Barcelona and that’s one of the sacrifices he’s got to make.
“He’s had to sacrifice certainty to get his move to Barcelona.
“It’s worked out well for him. He’s going to get most of his money paid for by Barcelona.
“I think it’s a very painful deal for United. I know they’ve tried to spin it as being a great cash saver, which of course it is because you don’t have the near £20million salary on their books.
“But the truth is that a year ago or 18 months ago, they would have valued the player well in excess of £50million, so they would have been expecting £50million in, plus on top of that, they would have been expecting someone obviously to take his salary.
“Now the best that they can do if he works out this year is get a £25million sale next summer.”
Man United turn their attention to striker who nearly joined Arsenal
In terms of a potential incoming at Old Trafford, Football Insider revealed on 22 July United are now interested in signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig after he had been a key target for Arsenal.
Viktor Gyokeres’ arrival at the Emirates Stadium has seen their interest in Sesko cool and potentially open the door for United to swoop despite rival interest from Newcastle United.
The Slovenia international reportedly has a release clause in his contract, but it would take an offer of more than £70million to trigger it this summer.
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