Marcus Rashford–Marc Casadó swap deal emerges as Manchester United and Barcelona explore three-way transfer solution
A potential three-way swap deal involving Marcus Rashford and Barcelona midfielder Marc Casadó has emerged as Manchester United look to reshape their squad ahead of the summer transfer window.
Rashford’s long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain following another inconsistent campaign, while Barcelona are actively monitoring opportunities to strengthen their attack without committing to a large upfront transfer fee.
With both clubs operating under financial and structural constraints, a creative solution involving player exchanges is now being seriously discussed behind the scenes.
Why Manchester United are open to a Rashford exit
Marcus Rashford has been one of Manchester United’s most recognisable figures over the past decade, rising from the academy to become a senior international and one of the club’s highest-paid players.
However, his form has fluctuated in recent seasons, and United’s ongoing rebuild has forced difficult conversations about squad balance, wage structure, and long-term planning.
United are not actively pushing Rashford out, but club sources indicate they would consider the right offer especially one that strengthens key areas of the squad rather than simply generating cash.
With Financial Fair Play considerations still a major factor, swap deals have become increasingly attractive to United’s recruitment team.
Barcelona’s interest presents an opportunity to extract value while addressing midfield depth, an area United are keen to reinforce.
Marc Casadó: A player United admire
Marc Casadó has emerged as a serious talking point in these discussions. The 21-year-old defensive midfielder is a product of La Masia and has impressed with his positional intelligence, work rate, and ability to dictate tempo from deep areas of midfield.
While Casadó is highly rated internally at Barcelona, the club faces tough decisions due to financial pressure and squad overcrowding.
Several academy graduates are viewed as valuable assets who could be included in deals to secure priority targets — and Casadó fits that profile.
Manchester United have been tracking Casadó’s development closely and see him as a player who could add tactical discipline and energy to their midfield, particularly in matches that demand control and defensive structure.
How a three-way deal could work
Rather than a straightforward Rashford-for-Casadó swap, discussions are believed to involve a three-way structure, with a third European club potentially entering the equation to balance valuations.
In this scenario:
- Rashford could move to Barcelona as their marquee attacking addition
- Casadó would head to Manchester United as part of the exchange
- A third club could receive a surplus Barcelona player or provide additional funds to close any valuation gap
This type of arrangement would allow Barcelona to avoid a large cash outlay, United to address midfield needs, and the third club to strengthen their squad without entering a bidding war.
Such deals are complex, but not uncommon in modern football — especially among elite clubs navigating financial regulations.
Why Barcelona see Rashford as the right fit
Barcelona believe Rashford’s pace, directness, and ability to play across the front line would add a new dimension to their attack.
His experience in European competitions and big-game environments also makes him an attractive option as the club looks to reassert itself on the continental stage.
Rashford is also viewed as a player who could thrive in La Liga’s technical and possession-based environment, potentially rediscovering his best form away from the constant scrutiny of the Premier League.
While Barcelona admire Rashford, their financial reality means any deal must be structured carefully — making a swap involving Casadó and other moving parts far more realistic than a traditional transfer.
Rashford’s stance on his future
Rashford is understood to be open to listening to proposals that offer a clear sporting project and stability.
While he remains respectful of Manchester United and has not publicly agitated for a move, a fresh challenge abroad could appeal at this stage of his career.
Barcelona’s interest provides that option, but Rashford’s camp are expected to carefully assess guarantees around playing time, role within the team, and long-term plans before any decision is made.
What this means for Manchester United
For United, a deal involving Casadó would signal a shift toward building a more balanced and sustainable squad.
Rather than relying solely on marquee forwards, the club appears increasingly focused on securing technically strong, tactically intelligent players who can support a long-term rebuild.
Letting go of Rashford would be an emotional decision for supporters, but if it results in meaningful reinforcement — particularly in midfield — it could prove a strategic move rather than a symbolic loss.
A transfer story to watch closely
While no agreement has been finalised, the emergence of Marcus Rashford and Marc Casadó at the centre of a three-way swap discussion highlights how both Manchester United and Barcelona are thinking creatively in the current transfer market.
As talks continue and the summer window approaches, this deal could evolve rapidly — and if it does, it may become one of the most intriguing transfers involving two of Europe’s biggest clubs.
