Barcelona players have reportedly voiced their dissatisfaction regarding the club’s intention to pursue Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford amidst newfound financial flexibility.
Rashford had identified Barcelona as his preferred destination should he decide to leave Manchester United in the January transfer window, as he expressed a desire for a new chapter away from Old Trafford. However, sources indicate that while Barcelona has an interest in the forward, they deemed a loan move for Rashford in January to be unfeasible. Instead, the club’s focus shifted towards potentially signing him in the summer, should the opportunity arise.
This indecision led Rashford to reconsider his options, ultimately agreeing to a loan move to Aston Villa, which includes an option for Villa to purchase him for £40 million in the summer.
According to reports from SPORT, this turn of events has been well-received by the Barcelona squad. While the players have no personal grievances with Rashford, they believe that the funds earmarked for his transfer could be better utilized to enhance the salaries of the current squad. The players feel that the club should prioritize rewarding those who have contributed to Barcelona’s position as third in La Liga and secured their spot in the Champions League knockout stages.
It remains unclear whether Barcelona’s management will adjust their strategy now that Rashford will not be joining before the season concludes or if they will reserve those funds for a potential summer attempt.
Rashford is set to make his debut for Aston Villa on Sunday when they face Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round of the FA Cup.