Marcus Rashford’s hopes of returning to Barcelona appear to be over, with the Spanish champions closing in on Borussia Dortmund forward Karim Adeyemi.
Adeyemi is expected to travel to Barcelona for a medical before signing a five-year contract.
Reports in Spain claim Barcelona have agreed an initial €22m fee with Dortmund, with a further €7m available through bonuses.
That package is close to the £26m option Barcelona declined to activate following Rashford’s season-long loan at the club.
The Manchester Evening News reports that Adeyemi’s imminent arrival represents another transfer setback for Rashford, who had hoped to return to the Camp Nou after the World Cup.
Carrick must now make a clear Rashford decision
Barcelona have already added Anthony Gordon to their attacking options. Adeyemi’s arrival would leave little room or financial incentive to revisit a deal for Rashford.
The 28-year-old remains contracted to Manchester United until 2028 and is expected to hold talks with Michael Carrick after England’s World Cup campaign ends.
ReadManUtd recently reported that Rashford has made himself available for United’s pre-season programme, keeping reintegration possible if no suitable permanent offer arrives.
Rashford wanted his future resolved before the World Cup but decided to delay further discussions once that became impossible.
England will remain in North America until at least Saturday’s third-place play-off, while the final takes place on Sunday. Rashford would then receive an extended break before reporting back to Carrington.
Barcelona’s decision simplifies one part of the situation. United can no longer build their plans around the expectation that the Spanish club will return.
Carrick must decide whether Rashford can contribute to his squad or whether United should pursue another permanent buyer.
Allowing the situation to drift through pre-season would help neither the player nor the club.
