Marcus Rashford has become one of FC Barcelona's main targets. The skillful English winger, owned by Manchester United, wants a change of scenery, but he only wants to go to Camp Nou.
He confirmed this in January, when the Catalan club already tried to make his signing official. In the end, Rashford ended up going on loan to Aston Villa, where he completed a pretty good second half of the season.
Under Unai Emery, he has scored 4 goals and provided 4 assists. However, once the season ended, Rashford had to return to Manchester United, which is asking for €40 million ($40 million) to formalize his permanent departure.
Is Marcus Rashford Barça's solution?
In this scenario, Hansi Flick has decided to halt Marcus Rashford's arrival at FC Barcelona. The €40 million ($40 million) is an excessive price for a player who has been performing at a very low level for several seasons. However, that doesn't mean Barça has broken off relations with Manchester United, since Flick's new target also belongs to those at Old Trafford.
Yes, because given the obvious risk of spending €40 million ($40 million) on Marcus Rashford, Hansi Flick has requested another signing. Interestingly, also from Manchester United, but with a past at Betis. We're talking about Antony, the fast Brazilian winger who has won over the Villamarín crowd this season with his goals.
Antony makes FC Barcelona's shortlist
Antony arrived at Betis in January following in Marcus Rashford's footsteps, but the difference between the two has been huge. Rashford has done well, but Antony has excelled: 9 goals and 5 assists in 26 matches prove it.
That's why Hansi Flick is backing his signing. Manchester United is asking for €30 million ($30 million) to let him go, €10 million ($10 million) less than Marcus Rashford. In short, a much more interesting option for Barça, which is still keeping an eye on their financial health.
It's striking that Manchester United has valued Marcus Rashford above his teammate Antony. Although Rashford has a contract until 2028 and Antony until 2027, the difference is only one year.
The English club is using that additional year as a key argument in negotiations. This fact is what's considerably raising the price of the English forward.
The player, who is currently with Brazil, would be a more viable option for Barça. The winger is younger, more affordable, and has better stats than the Englishman this season.