Sources: Marcus Rashford’s preferred destination named as Barcelona hijacked
Marcus Rashford is eager to join Barcelona on a permanent basis at the end of the season but strong interest from Paris Saint-Germain could muddy the waters.
Rashford is highly unlikely to play for Man United ever again and a permanent swap to join the Blaugrana will be his number one priority.
Sources told Football Insider that Barcelona are reluctant to renew Robert Lewandowski’s contract, offering more financial headroom to acquire the Englishman’s services at the end of the campaign.
It would be a win-win for all parties involved, especially as selling Rashford would be optimal for Man United’s PSR situation as well.
Barcelona plan to fend off PSG’s advances to retain Rashford
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, Hansi Flick is keen to turn the England international’s temporary status at the Camp Nou into a permanent one.
Sources told Football Insider that Barcelona remain the clear front-runners to sign Rashford, despite PSG keeping tabs on his ongoing situation.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast over where all parties stand on the transpiring transfer saga, I explained: “It’s been a good move for everybody involved.
“I think it’s been a good move for Rashford, good move for Barcelona and a good move for Manchester United as they’ve got them off the wage bill and it does seem he doesn’t have a future at Old Trafford as well.
“Despite rumours of interest from elsewhere, the likes of PSG, I think Barcelona still are in the box seat to get this deal done. I think Rashford ideally would like to join Barcelona on permanent basis as well.”
Barcelona set to be blocked by Chelsea in their pursuit of Pedro Neto
As the Blaugrana look to strengthen their attack with the permanent transfer of Rashford come the end of the season, other potential targets are also being touted.
However, former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown exclusively told Football Insider that Chelsea will not allow Barcelona to push forward in signing Pedro Neto.
The Portuguese is undergoing a solid start to the 2025-26 campaign which has caught the eye of the Catalan giants.
Even with Enzo Maresca’s plethora of wingers, the former Wolves man is deemed a key part of the long-term project and won’t be allowed to leave.