Barcelona set for five-man summer firesale including Marcus Rashford decision

Barcelona are preparing for a significant squad rebuild this summer, with reports claiming that the club will not exercise their option to buy Marcus Rashford.

The Catalan giants were embarrassed after another disappointing exit from the Champions League and hope to offload a host of high-profile players to revitalise the team, despite their dominance in LaLiga

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Hansi Flick and the board have identified five players to be moved on due to high wages and expiring contracts.

Current loanee Rashford is available for £26million, but Barcelona are reportedly looking to negotiate the price with Manchester United before the clause expires on June 15 – four days after the World Cup kicks off in North America.

The 28-year-old has recorded 12 goals and 13 assists in a season that has seen Barcelona climb to the top of the league, nine points clear.

There is a growing feeling that Rashford could return to his boyhood club this summer, despite his earlier desire to remain in Spain.

If he returns to Old Trafford, the England international would be on a salary of £315,000-a week, provided United qualify for the Champions League.

When speaking on his move to Barcelona earlier this season, Rashford reflected on the transition and said: “I want to stay at Barcelona, I’m enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football.

“Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour.”

He added: “I don’t think there’s muc change in me, it’s just a new environment and new culture. I looked forward to coming here and it’s not disappointed me and it’s all about adapting.

“I try not to put too much emphasis on the move, I just try to come in and feel like home so I can play my best football.”

Speaking about why the timing was right, he said: “It was just so many years in one place, people forget but I spent 23 years of my life at Man United.

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“Sometimes you just need a change and I think that was the case with me and at the minute I’m enjoying every bit of it.

“So I will just continue the way I am and keep pushing to do a little bit extra and hope for a positive season.”

Who else is leaving?

Barcelona’s hierarchy is prioritising financial stability to ensure they can fight for a European trophy next season.

Another attacker set for the exit door is Robert Lewandowski, despite scoring 17 goals this season, the 37-year-old is expected to depart as his contract expires.

His age and recurring injury issues have made him a target for the board’s reshuffle.

Another player thought to be at risk is Frenkie de Jong, who is understood to be on a salary of €400,000-per-week (£348,000), his high wages make him a prime candidate for an exit.

Former Chelsea player Andreas Christensen is another considered for release now that his four-year deal has expired, as he has struggled to effectively fill the role of Inigo Martinez.

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Finally, Marc Casado is rumoured to be another expected to move on, although he still has two years left on his contract, a lack of minutes behind Pedri and Gavi, may force the midfielder to seek a move elsewhere.

Barcelona are aiming to attract Julian Alvarez to bolster their attacking line however his Atletico Madrid teammate Alexander Sorloth appears to be a more realistic and cheaper option, given his lower release clause.