Cesc Fabregas opens up Rashford debate with €30m transfer offer

Robin Bairner

Updated: 21 Mar 2026 13:42 GMT
3 min read

Marcus Rashford, Jesus Rodriguez, Cesc Fabregas, Barcelona — © IMAGO

Barcelona’s summer transfer campaign is set to be shaped by Cesc Fabregas, who has recommended one of his Como players to the Camp Nou giants – potentially at the expense of Marcus Rashford.

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Fabregas, a former favourite of the Blaugrana during his playing career as a classy midfielder, has told the Catalans to sign Jesus Rodriguez from his current side, according to Fichajes.

Jesus, who has scored three times for Como this season and has created eight more, has an asking price of €30 million round his neck – the same price that the Catalans will have to pay to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United on a permanent basis.

Barcelona ‘increasingly admire’ Jesus, according to the Spanish source. It claims that the 20-year-old’s ability to create danger, vision and his technical ease make him ideal for Barcelona.

Current ETV

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Barcelona

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€39.2M - €65.3M

Jesus vs Rashford?

Faced with tight financial constraints, Barcelona have to be picky about their transfers. With the Camp Nou side also seeking to recruit a centre-forward to replace Robert Lewandowski and likely at least one defender, the prospect of signing Jesus Rodriguez and Rashford appears a non-starter.

Rashford’s star is appearing to fade at Camp Nou. The Man Utd loanee has played with increased irregularity in recent weeks and would command a large wage, even having agreed a cut in comparison to his Old Trafford salary.

On the other hand, Jesus does not have the same experience as the Englishman but offers a cheaper solution that would give the Catalans the opportunity to spend their wage budget in other areas.

Fabregas opens a debate

Barcelona have an important decision to make in the coming weeks: do they bank on Rashford’s guarantees or do they gamble on Jesus’ potential?

Fabregas is said to have forced open this debate among the Blaugrana’s recruitment staff in recent weeks by recommending Como’s young star to them.

© IMAGO - Jesus Rodriguez vs Marcus Rashford, Career Development

SciSports suggests that if he reaches his peak, the young Spaniard will become a key player at Camp Nou. Rashford, on the other hand, is currently regarded as a stronger player, but as he nears 29 years old, his best days are likely behind him.

The choice will ultimately rest with Barcelona.