Barcelona have informed Manchester United they are reluctant to trigger the €30 million (£26 million) permanent purchase option for Marcus Rashford, instead proposing a second season-long loan or a reduced transfer fee. According to Sky Germany, while manager Hansi Flick has approved the 28-year-old forward's permanent stay following a productive loan spell, the Catalan club's ongoing financial constraints are preventing them from meeting the previously agreed terms. Manchester United are understood to be unwilling to negotiate on the price or sanction another loan, given the player's contract at Old Trafford runs until June 2028.
Contractual friction and Barcelona's proposal
The impasse stems from Barcelona's attempt to restructure a deal that appeared settled last summer. As reported by Sky Sports and corroborated by talkSPORT, United are currently standing firm on the €30m figure. This valuation is already considered low; Rashford retains an estimated market value closer to €38.5m, making United’s hierarchy resistant to further concessions. The forward has been a revelation at the Nou Camp during the 2025/26 campaign, recording 13 goals and 13 assists in 45 appearances. Speaking on his future in Spain, Rashford stated: "What I want is to stay at Barca. It's the ultimate goal... I'm in the perfect place and environment to continue my journey."
United's PSR requirements and squad overhaul
For Manchester United, the €30m fee represents essential liquidity as INEOS continues a ruthlessly efficient squad overhaul. The club has already identified high earners like Casemiro and Andre Onana for potential exits to navigate Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). Shifting Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages permanently is a priority for the sporting department, especially as he has no clear role under the current tactical setup at Old Trafford. If Barcelona fail to find the funds, Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring the situation with genuine interest, according to reports in the Express, provided they secure their Premier League status for next season. United’s firm stance suggests they are prepared to pivot to other suitors rather than accommodate Barcelona's request for a second loan.
The two clubs are expected to continue talks as the summer window approaches, with Barcelona needing to offload Fringe squad members before they can commit to the permanent signing.