Bayern Munich ready to meet £34.5m asking price as Rashford's Barcelona dream fades

Bayern Munich are ready to pay Manchester United’s £34.5 million asking price for Marcus Rashford this summer, according to The Sun, but the forward’s £325,000-per-week wages represent a major hurdle to any deal.

Rashford, 28, spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Barcelona, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions as Hansi Flick’s side won the La Liga title. He reportedly accepted a wage reduction to join the Catalan club and has spoken openly about a permanent move to Barcelona being his “dream”. However, Barca appear unwilling to pay the £26 million required to sign him outright, having already spent a reported £60 million on Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon.

With Barcelona now understood to be prioritising a striker signing instead, Rashford’s future remains unresolved. Bayern, stung by missing out on Gordon — a player they had considered a priority target — are looking to reinforce their left flank and have identified the United forward as an attainable option.

The report suggests Bayern would have little difficulty matching United’s valuation, but given Rashford would not be guaranteed a starting place at the Allianz Arena, they would expect him to accept reduced terms. No club in Europe is currently said to be willing to match his existing salary.

Bayern’s ability to move could also depend on outgoings. Speculation linking Michael Olise with a transfer to Real Madrid continues to grow, and a sale of the French international could free up the funds and wage space needed to pursue Rashford more aggressively.

A number of Premier League clubs are also reported to have registered interest in the England international, meaning United are unlikely to be short of potential buyers should a sale be agreed. Other names in Bayern’s thinking include Arsenal’s Gabriel Martinelli, though the Brazilian would command a considerably higher fee than Rashford.