Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford is at the center of fresh transfer speculation, with Newcastle United reportedly expressing strong interest in signing the 27-year-old, potentially keeping the England international in the Premier League despite longstanding links to Barcelona.
Rashford, whose contract at Old Trafford runs until 2028 with a weekly wage of £315,000, saw limited game time under current manager Ruben Amorim. His last appearance in a United shirt was in December, before being loaned out to Aston Villa, where he reignited his form with 4 goals and 6 assists in 17 appearances.
Despite his revival at Villa Park, Rashford is not part of Amorim’s plans going forward. While Manchester United is open to letting the forward leave, they reportedly prefer a permanent sale, with an asking price of £40 million. Newcastle United, however, is exploring the possibility of bringing him in on loan, according to reports from the Daily Mail.
“For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” Rashford said in a recent interview with Henry Winter.
“When I leave, it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United.”
Rashford’s statement further fueled speculation over his exit, with the England international expressing a desire to handle his departure with dignity, unlike other controversial exits seen in recent years.
“If I know that a situation is already bad, I’m not going to make it worse,” he added. “When I leave, I’ll make a statement and it will be from me.”
The forward has reportedly met with Barcelona’s sporting director Deco, signaling a preference for a move to the Spanish giants, but no deal has materialized. With Champions League football looming for Newcastle and Rashford eager to reclaim his place in Gareth Southgate’s England squad, a move to St James’ Park could be an ideal compromise.
Newcastle reportedly sees Rashford as a key addition to bolster their attacking options alongside Alexander Isak, with the Magpies aiming to make a serious European push in the upcoming season.
Amorim’s past comments also cast doubt on Rashford’s return to Manchester United, having said the player “needed to change” to earn his place back in the squad.
As the summer transfer window unfolds, Rashford’s next move remains uncertain, but both Barcelona and Newcastle are in contention—each offering vastly different paths for the once-undisputed United talisman.
