Manchester United Target Bradley Barcola as Rashford Replacement
Manchester United are planning to sign a new left winger as Marcus Rashford is expected to join FC Barcelona permanently for €30m after his loan move.
Manchester United are planning to sign a new left winger as Marcus Rashford is expected to join FC Barcelona permanently for €30m after his loan move. United have shortlisted Bradley Barcola from Paris Saint-Germain, as the 23-year-old winger faces strong competition in Paris and could be open to a summer transfer.
Doing the planning for the upcoming summer transfer window, Manchester United are preparing for a future without Marcus Rashford. The England forward left the club in January 2025 after a disagreement with manager Ruben Amorim and joined Aston Villa on loan. The move also helped the club reduce Rashford’s high wages. Villa did not complete a permanent deal, and the 28-year-old attacker later joined FC Barcelona on loan with a €30m transfer option, equal to about £25.8m. After a strong season at Camp Nou, the Spanish club is now expected to trigger that clause.
With Rashford likely to leave permanently, United are searching for a new left winger. The team briefly moved away from traditional wide players under Amorim’s tactical system, but the situation changed after his dismissal in January. Interim manager Michael Carrick has returned to a back four formation, increasing the need for natural wingers in the squad. Players such as Patrick Dorgu, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo have filled the role in recent matches, but the club wants a specialist option for the long term. One player on United’s shortlist is Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain.
The French winger faces strong competition in Paris from stars like Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia under coach Luis Enrique. Contract negotiations have stalled, which could open the door for United to make a move. If United secure qualification for the UEFA Champions League, they could offer Barcola a key role as their first-choice left winger. The club believes signing a top-class player like him would help strengthen their attack and support their push to return to Europe’s elite competition.