Barcelona is planning to reshape its attack this summer, focusing more on keeping veteran striker Robert Lewandowski than on Ferran Torres. The club is open to offers for the 26-year-old Spanish forward to raise funds that would support their efforts to bring in two new forwards and refresh the frontline.

Torres could be moved to generate transfer funds. ESPN reports that Barcelona is willing to consider offers for him as they try to finance their summer signings. Torres is under contract until 2027, making this transfer window a critical opportunity to secure a substantial fee. Although he has shown moments of promise, his performances have lacked consistency, and he hasn’t scored since late January. Over this season, he has netted 16 goals in 40 appearances. Head coach Hansi Flick remains confident in his dedication, but selling him would provide the financial flexibility needed to pursue higher-profile players.

On the other hand, Lewandowski seems more inclined to stay at Camp Nou. At 37, he’s reportedly prepared to take a pay cut to remain, prioritising his family’s stability despite interest from MLS’s Chicago Fire and various Saudi Pro League teams. When asked about his future by The Athletic, he admitted uncertainty, saying he hasn’t yet felt ready to decide and might take a few more months to settle on the best path.

Meanwhile, sporting director Deco is targeting ambitious signings to upgrade the squad. A deal for Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez is reportedly underway, though it won’t come cheap. Barcelona is also trying to extend the loan of Marcus Rashford beyond the current spell. They have the option to buy the England international from Manchester United for €30 million, but are aiming to negotiate either a lower fee or a new loan arrangement. Ideally, Alvarez would slot in as the starting striker next season, which would reduce playing time for Torres.

Financially, Barcelona has been busy securing its young core, offering new contracts to talents like Gavi, Pedri, and Pau Cubarsi, with recent extensions for Eric Garcia and Fermin Lopez as well. However, they have not opened talks with Torres, indicating he may not be part of their long-term plans.

Lewandowski, for his part, is taking a patient approach. He noted that at his age and with his experience, there’s no rush to make a decision. “Maybe in three months is probably when I have to decide,” he said. “But still, I don’t have any stress.”

Barcelona is reportedly aiming to arrange a new loan deal to keep Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford at Camp Nou beyond this season. Rashford joined Barcelona last summer on a deal that includes an option to buy him permanently for about $35 million (£26 million). His performances of 10 goals and 13 assists in 38 games have impressed, and interest in continuing the partnership seems strong. However, club president Joan Laporta has recently indicated that a permanent deal is unlikely this summer.

According to the Daily Mail, this reluctance isn’t due to waning interest in Rashford but more about Barcelona wanting to delay paying the full transfer fee at the end of the current campaign.

Looking at United’s side, last summer, they felt pushed into a corner. Rashford was keen on moving to Barcelona, and United had already labelled his wages as unsustainable. This left them with minimal leverage and forced them to accept a purchase clause well below what Rashford’s market value might actually be. Since his rise in Catalonia, the $35 million price tag arguably represents a bargain.

Reports have since suggested that United won’t open further talks with Barcelona this year without the purchase clause being triggered. They’ve warned that if Barcelona doesn’t act, Rashford could be sold elsewhere to the highest bidder.

That said, the latest information indicates United might accept another loan, provided it includes an obligatory purchase clause. This would allow United to count on the transfer fee as part of their next season’s budget, similar to if the option were exercised now.

A key difference would be the timing of the payments. United hopes for a full payment this summer, but Barcelona seems keen to push this back. A potential new loan deal might involve a partial payment at the season’s end, with the rest due in 2027.

This approach would still frustrate United. They know Rashford could fetch more elsewhere, but his preference to stay at Barcelona narrows their options. His weekly wages, approximately $435,000 (£325,000), add pressure to move him on quickly. If Barcelona is the only club he’ll join, United may find themselves forced to accept similar terms as last summer.

On the broader front, United’s transfer plans add urgency. The club needs to reshape the squad, especially in central midfield, where Casemiro’s departure has left a significant gap. Some reports suggest United might spend up to $270 million (£200 million) just in that area, alongside other potential signings. So raising funds from player sales is crucial.

While one might think United would push for a full, permanent sale now to maximise income, modern transfers often involve flexible payment structures. Payment plans can stretch over several years, and clubs can record the fee as income upfront when a purchase obligation exists, even if the full sum isn’t received immediately. This means United could record the $35 million from Rashford’s transfer this summer even if Barcelona pays in instalments.

That said, United will still want some immediate cash to kick-start their transfer activity. Barcelona would likely need to front a substantial portion of the fee this summer to persuade United to finalise a deal. But the pressure to have all $35 million on hand right now isn’t as great as it may seem.