FC Barcelona are preparing for all scenarios in the summer transfer market, and with the signing of Luis Díaz becoming increasingly complicated, a new name has emerged as a serious alternative: Marcus Rashford. According to Mundo Deportivo, the Manchester United forward is now the Plan B for the Catalan club, who are exploring a loan deal with an option to buy.

The English club is reportedly open to letting Rashford leave for around €40 million, but only through a structure that includes an initial loan. The key condition? The player must agree to a significant wage reduction.

Villa Spell Boosted His Stock

Rashford, 26, spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa, where he reignited his form under Unai Emery. He played 17 matches, scoring 4 goals and adding 5 assists, regaining confidence and form after a rocky spell at United.

His revival earned him a recall to the England national team, though a late-season muscle injury kept him sidelined for the final games.

A Smart Fit for Barça's Financial Constraints

With limited spending power, Barça are considering creative market options. While Luis Díaz remains the top target, his high asking price and competition from other clubs have cooled talks.

Enter Rashford: experienced, versatile, capable of playing wide or centrally, and—crucially—available on loan with no immediate transfer fee.

However, the biggest hurdle is his current salary of approximately €315,000 per week, well beyond what Barcelona can afford. A deal will only be viable if Rashford accepts a wage cut to join a team in transition.