Barcelona plot Plan B for Rashford

Robin Bairner

• 17 Jan 2025 10:30 GMT
• 2 min read

Barcelona are planning for the worst-case scenario in a deal to bring Marcus Rashford to the club from Manchester United.

Rashford, it has been reported, only wants to leave Old Trafford this January for the Camp Nou outfit, although interest from AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund persists.

His case is a difficult one, though. His large salary complicates the possibility of a loan move, with United reportedly wanting more than 50% of his wages covered.

Although Barcelona’s short-term financial issues have been eased, the Catalan club are not in a position whereby they can be frivolous with their cash and, with that in mind, Fichajes reports that they are targeting a more cost-effective option than Rashford.

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Flick linked with Leroy Sane reunion

Barcelona have their sights set on Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane, a player that head coach Hansi Flick knows well from his time at the club.

Indeed, it was under the Barca boss’ guidance that FCB initially signed the 29-year-old, who scored 10 goals in 44 appearances during his one campaign working with the Camp Nou supremo.

If Rashford’s loan would be expensive, signing Sane during January could prove a bargain for the Blaugrana. The Germany international winger is out of contract at the end of the season, and given that he is also out of favour at the Allianz Arena currently, he is unlikely to command a significant transfer fee.

Compared

Marcus Rashford

F (CL), M (L)

Man Utd

Marcus Rashford

F (CL), M (L)

Man Utd

VS

Leroy Sané

M (RL)

Bayern

Leroy Sané

M (RL)

Bayern

2024/2025

Season Statistics

2024/2025

24	Appearances	21
7	Goals	6
3	Assists	1
14	Shots On Target	19
22	Key Passes	21
1502	Minutes Played	1028

Although he has an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €40 million, it is unlikely that the Blaugrana would have to pay anything like that to lure the player back for a reunion with Flick.

It may also be that Sane becomes an option in the summer as a free agent, even if Barcelona land Rashford on loan this month.

He is seen as a “solid alternative” to the England international, though it is stressed that the Manchester United man is the preferred option for those at Camp Nou.