What Barcelona have said about Manchester United's Marcus Rashford amid Lamine Yamal comments

What Barcelona have said about Manchester United's Marcus Rashford amid Lamine Yamal comments

Marcus Rashford has expressed his interest in a move to Barcelona by outlining his desire to play with Lamine Yamal.

Marcus Rashford wants a move to Barcelona. (Image: Gareth Copley/Getty Images. )

Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford has all but confirmed he wants to join Barcelona this summer after outlining his desire to play with exciting youngster Lamine Yamal.

United have no plans to reintegrate Rashford into their squad this summer after he spent the second half of last season on loan at Premier League counterparts Aston Villa. The Reds want to sell him and have valued him at £40million.

‌

Rashford, 27, wants to join a club that will be able to offer him Champions League football next season, meaning a return to Villa Park is highly unlikely. They missed out on qualification for Europe's premier club competition for 2025/26 after losing 2-0 to United at Old Trafford on the final day of the season last month.

‌

Barcelona have long since appealed to Rashford and his comments about wanting to play alongside Yamal have all but confirmed his preferred destination is the La Liga champions.

When asked about the prospect of playing with Yamal in an interview with Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz, Rashford said: "Yes, for sure, Everyone wants to play with the best. Hopefully... we'll see."

On Yamal, who has excelled over the last 12 months, Rashford added: "[It is] difficult to put into words what he is doing. He is not supposed to be doing that at 16-17 [years of age].

Article continues below

"We have not seen that before. It is a skill to be able to play at that age with that mentality."

Amid Rashford's apparent hunger to move to the Spanish club, Barcelona sporting director Deco, last month, confirmed their interest in the attacker, who last played for United on December 12 last year.

"We like Luis Diaz, we like Rashford and we like other wingers too," said Deco. "We can't talk about players under contract with other clubs."

‌

Marcus Rashford's Manchester United career has almost certainly reached the end of the road. (Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images. )

Deco reiterated Barcelona's interest in the England international earlier this month, saying: "We have been focusing on renewing contracts, after that, we'll discuss players to come.

"Of course, these two players, like you mentioned [Luis Diaz and Rashford], they are good but have contracts in their clubs, so we won't speak because it's not fair. But when you decide to go to the market, for sure, we find some names. In my opinion, we don't need to bring many players."

Article continues below

Barcelona have since made progress in their quest to strengthen their attack, reportedly agreeing personal terms with Athletic Club winger Nico Williams. However, they are yet to reach an agreement on a fee.

Their quest to sign Williams could have a direct impact on Rashford's hopes of joining Barcelona this summer. United are prepared for the possibility of having to send Rashford out on loan next season.

Click here to read article