A stunning swap deal scenario between Manchester United and Barcelona has seemingly emerged and Marcus Rashford holds the key to it coming to fruition.
Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona from Manchester United on a season-long loan during the summer transfer window. The deal includes an option for Barcelona to make the move permanent for around ÂŁ26 million.
Currently, the Catalan club is leaning toward activating that clause, although discussions about the fee continue due to their ongoing financial constraints. Rashford has made an impressive start in Spain, netting his first goals against Newcastle United in the Champions League before scoring his maiden La Liga goal in a 4–1 loss to Sevilla last Sunday.
Barcelona are expected to open negotiations with Manchester United over a permanent transfer when the next transfer window opens. There is speculation that Marc-André ter Stegen could be involved in those talks, given United’s reported interest in the goalkeeper.
Manager Ruben Amorim remains determined to sign a new shot-stopper despite the recent £18.1 million arrival of Senne Lammens from Royal Antwerp, who debuted in a 2–0 win over Sunderland last weekend.
Following Andre Onana’s departure, Manchester United are still in search of another goalkeeper, and according to Spanish outlet SPORT, Ter Stegen is among their main targets. Should Barcelona finalize Rashford’s signing, it could facilitate Ter Stegen’s move in the opposite direction.
The 33-year-old German goalkeeper has made 422 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions but has lost his starting position following the arrival of Joan Garcia and a back injury that required surgery. As a result, he hasn’t featured this season and played only nine games in the previous campaign.
A seasoned international with 44 caps for Germany, Ter Stegen has won six La Liga titles and a Champions League trophy during his time at the Camp Nou. Alongside Manchester United, both Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also monitoring his situation closely.
