Full Breakdown
Manchester United Eye Rafael Leão Swap Deal Involving Marcus Rashford
5/20/2026, 12:10:52 AM
Swap Deal to Acquire Rafael Leão
Manchester United are reportedly preparing a player-plus-cash offer to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leão in the summer of 2026. The proposal could include Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte to reduce the fee, while co-owners INEOS are prepared to contribute €50 million.
Background & Context
Rashford’s season-long loan at Barcelona is ending; Barcelona have declined to trigger the €30 million buy-option and prefer a further loan before a permanent move in 2027. Leão’s contract at Milan carries a €175 million release clause, yet Milan are said to be open to a lower figure for a suitable offer.
Key Figures & Groups
- Marcus Rashford – England winger, on loan from United.
- Rafael Leão – Portugal winger, AC Milan forward.
- INEOS – United co-owners willing to fund part of the deal.
- Jason Wilcox – Director of football overseeing negotiations.
- Michael Carrick – Prospective permanent manager.
- Barcelona – Holding Rashford’s loan rights.
- AC Milan – Current club of Leão.
Data & Statistics
- Leão’s release clause: €175 million (£152 million).
- INEOS proposed contribution: €50 million (£43.4 million).
- Barcelona’s buy-option for Rashford: €30 million (£26 million).
- Rasmus Hojlund’s loan to Napoli made permanent for £38 million.
- Joshua Zirkzee’s contract status described as “bleak” for the next season.
Official Statements & Responses
Club sources indicate Barcelona will not activate Rashford’s purchase option this summer, preferring an extended loan. INEOS has publicly signaled willingness to add €50 million to any swap package. Former striker Michael Owen has urged United to give Hojlund another chance, highlighting the club’s recent purchase record.
Criticism & Opposition
Owen criticised United’s recent acquisitions, arguing that players often lack adequate service and that “the purchases have been poor,” suggesting that inadequate team structure hampers player performance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Rashford’s future remains unsettled: he wishes to stay at Barcelona, yet United appear ready to part with him. No official confirmation from United or Milan details which players will be included in the swap, leaving the exact terms ambiguous.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Metro has quoted former Man Utd striker Owen as saying: “I don’t care who you play up front, it’s very hard to judge when the team aren’t functioning.” — Michael Owen, former Manchester United striker
- “Stirkers are the end of the chain, if the chain is broken, it’s pointless in many ways.” — Michael Owen
- “I would love to see Hojlund and see what he can do now.” — Michael Owen
- “Everyone says the purchases have been poor and that might be the case but sometimes they might not get a fair crack of the whip because they don’t get the service.” — Michael Owen
What’s Next
United’s director of football Jason Wilcox and co-owner INEOS are set to work on new signings after Michael Carrick’s appointment is confirmed, with the proposed swap being prepared for the summer window. Ongoing talks will also determine Rashford’s next club, while Hojlund’s permanent transfer to Napoli has been completed for £38 million and Zirkzee’s contract situation remains uncertain.
