Barcelona want to sign Marcus Rashford for reduced transfer fee (Image: Getty Images)
Barcelona are reportedly in talks with Manchester United to explore the possibility of signing Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal this summer. The striker’s loan period is coming to an end in the summer and the Spanish giants hope to make his move permanent, but there are obstacles in the way.
According to talkSPORT, Barcelona are reluctant to trigger Rashford’s €30 million buyout clause and are instead aiming to negotiate a reduced fee. A second loan, perhaps with conditional obligations, is also being discussed as an alternative. It is expected that further negotiations will take place towards the end of the season as both clubs work towards a resolution.
United are keen to sign Rashford and believe the clause is fair, but Barcelona have the advantage due to the winger’s desire to remain at Camp Nou.
He may still have his way, but the La Liga giants would like to negotiate a more economically advantageous contract before committing to the 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 bigger role in Catalonia next season if a deal is finalized, especially if Robert Lewandowski’s contract expires at the end of the season, when he turns 38 in August.
Rashford has already expressed his desire to remain at the club beyond the loan period, saying: “Of course, what I want is to stay at Barça.
“That’s the end goal, but that’s not why I train hard and do my best. The aim is to win. Barça is a huge, great club built to win titles.”
Meanwhile, European football expert Andy Brassell suggested Rashford is the “smartest” financial option currently on the market.
Rashford lifted his first silverware against Barcelona at the weekend (Image: undefined)
“He’s probably the cheapest financial deal,” he observed. “They might loan him out for another year.
“He has taken a huge hit on his wages and if United are keen to make him a permanent move and 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 quite expensive.
“We also have to keep in mind that Robert Lewandowski’s salary will almost certainly be taken off the books next season.”
Rashford has made a huge impression since joining Barcelona, scoring seven goals and providing 11 assists in 27 appearances.
Despite this, Raphinha has been in and out of the starting XI in recent weeks, earning a place on the left wing.
On Sunday, Rashford lifted his first silver medal alongside his new team-mates as the Catalan club defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in the Supercopa final in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
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