Marcus Rashford: Barcelona propose swap deal for United loanee

Barcelona have tabled a straight-swap offer that would see Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford remain at the Camp Nou on a permanent basis, with Uruguay centre-back Ronald Araujo heading to Old Trafford as compensation, according to reports in Spain.

Rashford, 28, joined the Catalans last summer on a season-long loan after slipping down the pecking order under former United boss Ruben Amorim. The forward’s temporary switch has proved mutually beneficial: Rashford has rediscovered his best form under Hansi Flick, registering 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances—his most productive return since 2022-23—while Barcelona have climbed back to the summit of LaLiga.

United, meanwhile, reinvested the wages freed up by Rashford’s departure, recruiting Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko in a revamped front line that has fired 47 Premier League goals in 26 matches, level with third-placed Arsenal and seven adrift of leaders Manchester City.

Despite Barcelona’s £26 million purchase option, the club’s hierarchy are reluctant to meet the clause outright. Spanish outlet Football 365 claims that sporting director Deco has instead proposed a player-exchange deal, with Araujo—valued at €40 million—offered in a one-for-one swap. The 29-year-old defender has long been admired by United’s recruitment team and would address ongoing uncertainty surrounding Harry Maguire’s future, although the England international is reportedly determined to extend his own stay in Manchester.

Barcelona are also open to including 20-year-old midfielder Marc Casado in negotiations, having previously floated the academy graduate as a makeweight to reduce or eliminate the cash component of any Rashford transfer.

Caretaker United manager Michael Carrick is understood to be open to welcoming Rashford back, yet sources close to the player indicate he has no intention of returning to Old Trafford. With that in mind, United are expected to hold out for a straight cash fee, believing the proceeds will fund further summer reinforcements.

The coming weeks will determine whether Barcelona’s swap strategy persuades the Premier League giants to soften their stance and sanction Rashford’s permanent exit without a traditional transfer fee.