FC Barcelona have offered Manchester United an intriguing swap deal proposal in their bid to sign Marcus Rashford permanently ahead of next summer.
Under the management of Ruben Amorim, Marcus Rashford fell out of favour at his boyhood club, Manchester United, and was subsequently sent on a six-month loan to fellow Premier League side, Aston Villa.
Despite an impressive end to the season at Villa Park, the Englishman’s efforts were not enough to warrant either a permanent sale, or a spot in Amorim’s squad.
This resulted in Rashford losing his number 10 shirt to new signing Matheus Cunha, before finding himself yet another loan, but this time to Catalan giants, FC Barcelona.
The 28-year-old’s time at Old Trafford is seemingly over, even despite the Reds being under new management, and Barcelona could offer an interesting swap deal to secure Rashford’s services permanently.
Barcelona offer United swap deal
In Barcelona’s loan deal with United for Rashford, they reportedly have a £26million purchase option, although, as reported by The Peoples Person, they are looking to see if a reduced fee can get the deal done.
Although Michael Carrick is now in charge of the Red Devils, Rashford seems uninterested in any possible reunion with his boyhood club, and looks set for pastures new.
As relayed by the same source, it is understood that the Catalan side are offering Ronald Araujo in a straight swap for Rashford, as Barcelona look to ‘avoid paying’ the £26million clause.
The Uruguayan defender has been on the radar of United for a fair while, and it was previously reported that Araujo was considered an option to bolster the Reds’ backline.
Swap deal suiting both sides?
Given the concerns regarding La Blaugrana’s financial situation, a swap deal would almost definitely suit them better, as £26million may be a steep price for them to pay.
As for United, although they may be more inclined to try and get some sort of monetary return from their academy graduate, a player of Araujo’s pedigree may force their hand.
With Harry Maguire’s future currently up in the air, and there being a real lack of experienced, talented centre-backs on the market, the 26-year-old may be a smart acquisition if a swap deal is possible.
As well as Araujo, there is a possibility that the Catalan giants offer Marc Casado as a part of the swap deal, although it is still unknown as to how United feel regarding this.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 14:00 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.