Manchester United have proposed a swap-deal with Barcelona, offering Marcus Rashford in exchange for defender Ronald Araujo to bolster their squad.
The Red Devils are eager to reshape their team, and this potential trade could mark a significant shift for both clubs.
Rashford, currently on loan at Aston Villa, has rediscovered his spark since joining in January. The 27-year-old forward has contributed four goals and six assists in 17 appearances, earning a recall to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel.
His standout performances, including a dazzling display in Villa’s Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain, have reignited interest from top clubs. However, a hamstring injury sidelined him for Villa’s final matches, and he is ineligible to face United on the season’s last day.
Despite Rashford’s form, Villa’s manager Unai Emery expressed doubts about securing a permanent deal. “It’s tough to plan now,” Emery said in April. “He’s settled in well and played brilliantly, but it depends on many factors, including next season’s circumstances.” Villa have an option to buy Rashford for 40 million pounds, but financial constraints and his 325,000-pound-a-week wages could complicate negotiations.
Barcelona, long-time admirers of Rashford, have rekindled their interest. Sporting director Deco highlighted the need for depth in wide areas, stating, “We rely heavily on Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. We might need similar players to support them, though our squad is balanced with young talent coming through.” Rashford’s versatility and proven quality make him an attractive target for the Catalan giants.
On the other hand, United have set their sights on Araujo, the 24-year-old Uruguayan centre-back. Reports suggest United previously offered over 60 million euros for Araujo, whose departure from Barcelona appears increasingly likely. “Araujo’s exit is almost certain when the transfer window opens,” a Spanish outlet noted, with United keen to pair him with their defensive reinforcements under manager Ruben Amorim.
Amorim’s fallout with Rashford, culminating in his last United appearance on December 12 against Viktoria Plzen, paved the way for the loan move. United are now open to a permanent transfer, with a 40-million-pound price tag available to any club, not just Villa. A swap deal involving Araujo could suit both teams, addressing United’s defensive needs and Barcelona’s attacking depth.
As the summer window approaches, United and Barcelona face pivotal decisions. A Rashford-Araujo swap could reshape their squads, blending ambition with pragmatism. For now, fans await the next move in this high-stakes transfer saga.
