Barcelona’s Five Players Set to Leave This Summer, Including Marcus Rashford and Former Chelsea Star as Man United Prepare to Pounce

Barcelona are set to let five key players leave the club this summer as part of a significant squad overhaul, according to multiple reports. The club, currently nine points clear at the top of LaLiga and on course for a second consecutive title, is prioritising financial stability and wage bill reduction ahead of the summer transfer window.

Among the players identified for departure are Marcus Rashford and Frenkie de Jong, both of whom have been linked with exits despite recent contributions. Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester United, has scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 43 appearances this season. Barcelona hold an option to sign him permanently for £26 million but are reportedly unwilling to meet that fee, with United standing firm on their asking price. The club has explored the possibility of extending Rashford’s loan for another season, but United have rejected such proposals.

Frenkie de Jong, who earns nearly €400,000 per week, is viewed as a primary candidate for sale to alleviate Barcelona’s wage burden. The Dutch midfielder’s high salary has made him a central figure in the club’s financial restructuring plans, with officials seeking to generate transfer revenue and reduce long-term commitments.

The decision to move on these players stems from Barcelona’s failure to progress in European competition this season, which has intensified pressure to balance the squad and comply with financial fair play regulations. Club officials, including sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick, have reportedly agreed that several players have “completed a cycle” at the Camp Nou and should be allowed to depart.

Alongside Rashford and de Jong, three other players are expected to leave, though their identities have not been specified in the latest reports. Former Chelsea star Robert Lewandowski has also been mentioned in some outlets as part of the potential exit list, although his recent form and importance to the attack may complicate any departure.

Manchester United are preparing to respond to Barcelona’s reluctance to activate Rashford’s purchase clause by reportedly readying a €80 million offer to address what they describe as Erik ten Hag’s biggest problem at the club — though the exact nature of this issue was not detailed in the available sources. United’s stance suggests they are prepared to either reintegrate Rashford into their squad or seek an alternative buyer if Barcelona do not commit to a permanent move.

The purchase clause in Rashford’s loan agreement expires on June 15, just four days after the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. This timing adds urgency to the negotiations, as both clubs assess his future ahead of the international tournament. Rashford has featured prominently for England over the past year and aims to play a key role in the World Cup.

Barcelona’s summer overhaul reflects a broader strategy to reset the squad after a domestically successful but European-ly underwhelming campaign. By offloading high earners and players deemed to have reached the end of their cycle, the club aims to create space for younger talent and reduce financial strain while maintaining competitiveness in LaLiga and future European campaigns.