Barcelona are reluctant to trigger Marcus Rashford’s £26m buyout clause at the end of his loan spell, but experts say he is the best financial deal available to Man United as they continue negotiations over a permanent transfer.
Marcus Rashford is keen on a permanent move from Manchester United to Barcelona (Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
Barcelona are reportedly in talks with Manchester United over the possibility of signing Marcus Rashford on a permanent transfer this summer. The 28-year-old’s loan spell is coming to an end and the Catalan giants are keen to secure his permanent move, but there is a catch.
According to talkSPORT, Barcelona are reluctant to trigger Rashford’s €30 million buyout clause and are instead aiming to negotiate a lower contract fee. A second loan, perhaps with a conditional purchase obligation, is also being discussed as an alternative.
Further talks are expected to take place towards the end of the season, with both clubs seeking a solution. United are keen to sign Rashford and believe the clause is fair, but Barcelona have the upper hand given the winger’s desire to remain at Camp Nou.
read more: Manchester United announce Michael Carrick as caretaker manager following Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s disdainread more: Manchester United prompt Liverpool goal to move ‘heaven and earth’ for Xabi Alonso
His dream may still come true, but the La Liga star wants to negotiate a more financially advantageous contract before committing to his current buy-out option. If an agreement is reached, Rashford will reportedly be offered a contract until the summer of 2029.
The 28-year-old England international is expected to play a more prominent role in Catalonia next season if he is signed, especially since Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires at the end of this season, when he turns 38 in August.
Rashford has already expressed his desire to remain at the club beyond his loan spell. “Of course, what I want is to stay at Barça,” Rashford said.
“That’s the end goal, but that’s not why I train hard and do my best.
Marcus Rashford lifts his first trophy with Barcelona (Image: )
“The aim is to win. Barça is a huge, great club built to win titles.”
Meanwhile, European football expert Andy Brassell suggested Rashford was the “smartest” financial option currently available.
“He’s probably the cheapest financial deal,” he observed. “They might loan him out for another year. His wages have taken a significant hit and United are keen on a permanent move and if they can work something out.”
“For Barcelona, this feels like one of the best deals because they know he’s already working there. It’s not as risky as signing a new player.”
“If they were to buy a player of Marcus Rashford’s quality on the open market, it would be much more expensive. They also have to bear in mind that they will almost certainly take Robert Lewandowski’s wages off their books next season.”
Rashford has made a huge impression since joining Barcelona, scoring seven goals and providing 11 assists in 27 appearances. However, he has been in and out of the starting lineup lately, with Rafinha preferred on the left.
On Sunday, Rashford lifted his first trophy alongside his new team-mates as the Catalan club defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in the Supercopa final in Jeddah.
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily Manchester United content from Mirror Football. Community members also receive special offers, promotions, and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can always check out. If you are interested, please read our privacy notice.
Sky Sports Premier League and EFL package discounts
£43
£35
sky
Get the deal here
Sky has reduced the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 on their bill and offering more than 1,400 live matches from the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will broadcast at least 215 live Premier League matches next season, with an increase of up to 100 more.
