Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford is currently trying to earn a permanent move to Barcelona in 2026.
Marcus Rashford admitted it was his “dream” to join Barcelona this summer, and the Spanish side swooped in and signed him on loan late into the window.
There is a £26m buy option in Rashford’s deal, and the 28-year-old is now working hard to convince Barcelona that they should sign him permanently.
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United in Focus have learned that Rashford could be sold in January with United open to negotiating an early deal. But Barcelona’s financial issues are ongoing, and now it seems their transfer plans could also be derailed by Robert Lewandowski.
Marcus Rashford playing against Elche CF
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images
Robert Lewandowski throws spanner into Rashford deal
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Barcelona striker Lewandowski is prioritising staying at the Nou Camp despite club chiefs planning for his exit.
Lewandowski’s contract is set to expire next summer, meaning he is expected to leave as a free agent.
However, the Polish striker is keen to renew his deal and stay put with Barcelona, which could have a knock-on effect for Rashford.
Rashford has been playing up front for Barcelona this season and impressing. He scored twice in a 6-1 thrashing of Olympiacos in the Champions League while playing centrally.
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Marcus Rashford at his Barcelona unveiling –
“Barcelona is a club where people’s dreams come true. What the club stands for means a lot to me as well and it feels like I’m at home.”
If Lewandowski is kept on the books at Barcelona, it means Rashford will face even more competition for a starting spot. He is already competing against the likes of Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Ferran Torres.
Barcelona expected to buy Rashford in 2026
Despite their incredible attacking depth and their ongoing financial issues, it still seems as though Barcelona are determined to sign Rashford permanently.
Barcelona are expected to trigger the buy clause in Rashford’s deal, and United are open to getting it done in January.
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Hansi Flick is a huge admirer of Rashford and believes he adds value as a left-sided attacker as well as a central striker.
With six goals and seven assists in his first 15 appearances for the club, it’s easy to see why Barcelona want to snap up what would be a bargain of a deal.