According to The Pitch Prospect, Barcelona have opened talks with Manchester United to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis.
However, they have no plans to simply pay his €30m (£26m) purchase option without first suggesting cheaper options.
3
The United loanee wants to join Barcelona permanently and president Joan Laporta has already informed the England striker of the club’s desire to keep him.
Rashford has scored seven goals in 27 games and also has 11 assists.
Given that the 28-year-old’s contract expires in 2028 and his market value is currently higher than the existing purchase option, paying the 30 million euros seems like a logical step.
But given Barcelona’s strained financial situation, the Catalan club have now informed the Red Devils that they prefer to negotiate new terms.
Barcelona sources have told The Pitch Prospect that a meeting with United took place earlier this month where the LaLiga club discussed two options.
The first is to sign Rashford this summer for less than his clause and the second is to explore a new loan deal for the 2026/27 season, which would include a conditional purchase obligation.
United would prefer to sell Rashford this summer and believe the clause is not unreasonable, but Barcelona have the advantage in that Rashford is not currently working with any other suitors and intends to remain at the Camp Nou.
There is still a realistic chance that his wish will come true, but Barcelona are looking for a more financially advantageous option to sign him permanently before committing to triggering the €30 million purchase option.
Barcelona are ready to offer Rashford a contract until the summer of 2029 and talks with United are set to intensify towards the end of the season as both clubs look to find a solution.
The England international’s form has seen him return to the Three Lions squad since joining Barca.
Rashford was missing from Thomas Tuchel’s squad in June after being loaned out to Aston Villa in the second half of last season.
3
However, he has featured in all six of England’s games so far this season, helping his country qualify for the World Cup.
He could also take on a bigger role at Barcelona next season if a deal to extend his stay can be agreed.
Robert Lewandowski, who turns 38 in August, no longer has a contract at the end of the current season.
Should Barca sign Rashford permanently?
European football expert Andy Brassell undoubtedly believes this move has a good chance, stressing that it would be “sensible” for Barca.
Speaking to The Pitch Prospect, Brassell said: “I think it’s probably the most financially sensible deal out there.”
3
“It may be the cheapest financial contract out there. They may even loan it for another year.”
“His wages have been taken a decent cut and if United are interested in signing him permanently, and if something can be sorted out, it feels like one of the best deals there is for Barcelona because they know he already works there. The risk isn’t as big as buying a new player.”
“I think if they go out there and try to buy someone of Marcus Rashford’s quality on the open market, it’s going to be a lot more expensive.”
“We also have to remember that next season they will probably, almost certainly, remove Robert Lewandowski’s salary from the books.”
United’s Rashford decision
According to The Pitch Prospect, United have no plans to bring Rashford back to Old Trafford following the departure of Ruben Amorim.
The academy graduate was banned from the first team under the Portuguese, who was sacked earlier this month.
Despite Amorim leaving United, Rashford’s return remains unlikely.
The decision to move him to Barcelona was also influenced by director of football Jason Wilcox and managing director Omar Berrada.
Both Wilcox and Berrada remain the key decision-makers at the club ahead of the summer.