Marcus Rashford’s permanent move to Barcelona feels inevitable but Manchester United must stay strong in negotiations.
When Marcus Rashford sealed a loan move to Barcelona for the 2025/26 season, the £26 million buy option included in the deal all but confirmed he had played his final match for Manchester United.
It was a signal that United were ready to move on, and that Rashford wants to join Barcelona permanently rather than fight for his future at Old Trafford.
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Rashford has made an impressive start to his career in Spain, and reports suggest Barcelona are keen for a permanent deal, but the final details of a move are yet to be decided.
What do you think is Marcus Rashford’s legacy at Man Utd?
Barcelona could fast-track the Rashford deal and bring it forward to January, meaning both clubs could be locked into negotiations ahead of the window opening.
Marcus Rashford playing for Barcelona
Photo by Alberto Gardin/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Barcelona’s record-breaking revenue strengthens Man United
Despite the buy option inserted into the loan deal, Barcelona want a cut-price deal for Rashford to sign permanently.
Reports suggest that Barcelona’s financial issues could complicate a deal, but their latest accounts prove otherwise.
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As reported by football finance expert Swiss Ramble, Barcelona set a new revenue record of €916m (£809m) in 2024/25. Overall, they made a pre-tax loss of just €8m (£7m).
With reports suggesting that Barcelona want to sign Harry Kane, Erling Haaland or Julian Alvarez to bolster their attacking options in the summer, it is blindingly clear they can afford the full fee for Rashford.
Marcus Rashford sale is big boost for Man United PSR
As much as United are ready to sell Rashford and move on from the 28-year-old, his sale will have a huge financial impact back at Old Trafford so it is important to maximise the fee.
Because of his status as an academy graduate, Rashford’s sale will provide pure profit in terms of the Premier League Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Rashford came into United’s squad with a book cost of £0, so the fee collected from Barcelona will have a big impact on PSR and, ultimately, the budget for 2026/27.
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Considering that United still owe £400m in transfer debt, it is important for Ineos to improve player sales – an area that United have struggled to maximise under the Glazer family.
United are used to being held by selling clubs demanding a higher fee – it’s time for Ineos to return the favour and stick to their asking price for Rashford.