Despite making headlines in recent weeks, it appears the prospects of Marcus Rashford leaving Manchester United on loan for Barcelona in January are fading. The England forward was reportedly their top target in the transfer market, but the deal did not work out financially.
Barcelona had to free up space in the salary cap to allow the move to go ahead, which could cover Rashford's €9 million salary between now and the end of the season. At least one departure was required to achieve that, but with Eric Garcia remaining at the club and Ansu Fati also opposed to a departure, it appears the Rashford deal is no longer on the table.
Sporting director Deco noted earlier this week that Barcelona are focusing on contract extensions, with Ronald Araujo and Pedri to sign new deals, and that they would then consider signings. Relevo says that without Fati or Garcia moving on, there is little chance of Deco getting to the second part of that equation.
Meanwhile, MD say Fati has spoken to manager Hansi Flick and explained that he does not want to leave despite the German coach leaving him out of four consecutive squads. The 22-year-old asked for Flick's help and his coach told him he was more than willing, but asked if Fati tried to put the fear or failure behind him and showed the same confidence on the pitch as he did in training.
Rashford had reportedly given Barcelona until the end of the week to resolve the matter, but after returning to training with Manchester United on Wednesday he has now 'resigned himself' to playing until the end of the season to stay at United. The Red Devils are keen to sign him and there is interest from Borussia Dortmund, but it remains to be seen whether managerless Dortmund will give the green light.
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