Report – The money Barcelona must free up to sign Rashford and four players who could be sacrificed | OneFootball

As reported just a while back, Barcelona have made Manchester United star Marcus Rashford their priority for the January transfer window.

With the Catalans back to the 1:1 rule, they have room to bring in reinforcements before the winter window closes.

Considering Rashford’s situation at Old Trafford, where he has fallen out of favour under manager Ruben Amorim, Barça are prepared to go all out for him this month.

The idea is for the Blaugrana to bring him in on a loan deal for the remainder of the season. But for that to happen, the club must free up some salary space by offloading a player.

The terms of the deal

Now, SPORT has come forward with an extensive report outlining how Barcelona intend to approach their pursuit of Rashford and the amount of money that they must free up to sign him on loan.

Both Manchester United and Rashford are open to a move this month. The player, under contract until June 2028, is eager for a change of scenery.

While his market value is €55 million according to Transfermarkt, Barcelona are not considering a permanent transfer. Instead, they aim for a loan deal until June, which would require covering the player’s wages.

Barça want Rashford this month. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

The forward earns €10 million net annually at Manchester United, and halfway through the season, he would be entitled to €5 million.

However, Rashford is willing to forego €2 million to facilitate the move. Thus, Barcelona would need to allocate €3 million net (€6.5 million gross) to bring him in.

Potential exits

Barcelona, now operating under the 1:1 Fair Play rule thanks to revenues from selling VIP boxes at Spotify Camp Nou to investors, must free up €6.5 million in salary from their current roster.

As things stand, the Blaugrana have as many as four candidates to leave the club in the ongoing window.

Ronald Araujo appears to be the likeliest candidate to leave, with Juventus pressing hard for his signing. Barça though will only let him leave on a permanent transfer and will not entertain loan offers.

Meanwhile, Eric Garcia is attracting interest from Girona and Real Sociedad, but his situation is linked with Araujo’s, in the sense that the Spaniard will not be allowed to leave if his fellow defender departs.

Then there is Ansu Fati, who would fall further down the pecking order if Rashford’s arrival became a reality. Several clubs, including Real Betis, Girona, Valencia, and Sevilla, are monitoring his situation.

Finally, there is Frenkie de Jong, who despite being a valuable asset, is seen as expendable due to his high salary puts and current reduced role.