Barca want lower fee than loan clause
Barcelona have opened discussions with Manchester United over Marcus Rashford, but the Spanish club are looking to pay far less than the purchase option included in his loan agreement, according to the Daily Mail and SPORT.
Reports claim Barcelona want to offer around $17.4 million, which is €15 million, for the England forward. That figure is only half of the $35 million, or €30 million, buy option that was added when Rashford joined the La Liga champions on loan for the 2025/2026 season.
Manchester United are expected to reject that proposal if it arrives in its current form. The buy option runs until June 15, and the Daily Mail suggests Barcelona may wait until after that deadline before submitting a lower bid.
Another possibility would be a fresh loan offer, with Barca potentially trying to keep Rashford at the Spotify Camp Nou for one more season rather than buying him outright now.
Rashford wants to remain at Camp Nou
Rashford is understood to be happy in Barcelona and would like to stay with Hansi Flick’s side. Even so, United are free to negotiate with other clubs if they receive stronger offers.
A good World Cup with England could change the picture. If Rashford performs well for the Three Lions, other European clubs may enter the race and meet United’s valuation, or even go above it if his market position improves.
If Barcelona do not strike a deal and no other club reaches an agreement with United, Rashford is expected to return to Manchester for preseason once England’s World Cup campaign is over.
For now, the situation remains open. Barcelona want to keep the player, Rashford wants to continue in Spain, but United are unlikely to accept a cut price offer without testing the market.
Gordon arrival raises questions for Flick
Barcelona’s move for Anthony Gordon has added another layer to Rashford’s future. The club paid $93 million, or €80 million, for the former Newcastle United winger, which led to questions over how both players would fit into the same squad.
Rashford and Gordon usually play from the left side for club and country. Barcelona also have Raphinha in that area, giving Flick several options in the same part of the pitch.
Rashford’s camp are not said to be concerned by Gordon’s arrival, as they were aware that Deco and the club’s recruitment team planned to move for the England winger. Rashford can also offer flexibility in other roles.
During the final part of the season, he was used on the right side, where he helped Barcelona win the league title. One of his standout moments came against Alaves, when he delivered a fine cross for Robert Lewandowski to head in. That ability could make him an option to cover or rotate with Lamine Yamal.
Central role could also keep Rashford useful
Rashford may also be considered as a central forward, especially while Barcelona continue their pursuit of Julian Alvarez.
Reports say Barca have reached personal terms with the Argentine, but convincing Atletico Madrid to accept an offer of $116 million, or €100 million, is another challenge.
That uncertainty could work in Rashford’s favour. His ability to play on the left, on the right and through the middle gives Barcelona a reason to keep pushing for a deal, even after the arrival of Gordon.
