Barcelona are closing in on a bold deal to bring Marcus Rashford to the club for the 2025/26 season.
Hansi Flick is looking to bolster his attack ahead of the Catalans La Liga title defence and Rashford is already in Barcelona as the England international completes the final details of a season-long loan.
The 27-year-old has dropped hints over his desire to link up with Lamine Yamal, after Barcelona registered an interest in signing him earlier this summer, and Manchester United have sanctioned his exit.
Ruben Amorim has no place for Rashford in his Red Devils plans, following a mixed loan stint at Aston Villa in the second half of last season, and all parties have been working on a departure package.
United have successfully negotiated a purchase clause for next summer, in the region of £40m, but both clubs are tight-lipped over whether it will be mandatory or performance-based.
Rashford is in clear need of a change, with the 62-cap attacker still looking at a place in Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad next summer, if he can be reignited in Barcelona.
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Despite his keenness to make the move, Rashford will need to step up as he aims to force his way into Flick's starting XI, with Barcelona currently boasting one of Europe's most potent attacks.
Where will Marcus Rashford play at Barcelona?
Flick's trophy treble in his debut season in Barcelona was built around a 4-2-3-1 system with Lamine Yamal and Raphinha flanking Robert Lewandowski and a rotating No.10.
On occasion where Flick switched to a 4-3-3, those three would move forward, with Dani Olmo/Gavi dropping deeper.
Rashford flicked between a central role [Lewandowski for Barcelona] and a left-sided slot [Raphinha] during his time at Villa last season.
In 2024/25, Raphinha racked up a sensational tally of 34 goals and 22 assists, with Lewandowski bagging a wild 42 goals in all competitions.
The pair are unmoved in Flick's mind - alongside the superb Lamine Yamal - so, the early signs point to Rashford being used as an impact option off the bench for Raphinha from the season start.
Barcelona will be solely focused on La Liga and the UEFA Champions League until the start of 2026, when the Copa del Rey and Spanish Supercup kick in, and Rashford will have limited chances to impress.
It's vital he seizes an opportunity given, to prevent stagnation, but the stars in front of him have set a lofty standard to catch up to.
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