EXCLUSIVE: Marcus Rashford is enjoying his season-long loan with Barcelona, while the La Liga giants have the option to buy him next summer - but it has been highlighted there may be a problem afoot
Marcus Rashford looks on
Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on loan this summer
View 2 Images
Marcus Rashford's potential of moving to Barcelona permanently could be hindered by a potential lack of club funds.
The Manchester United star is currently thriving with the Catalan giants on a season-long loan, after falling out of favour with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. This season thus far, the 28-year-old has racked up six goals and nine assists from 17 appearances.
And with Barcelona holding an option to make his move permanent next summer for an amount bordering £30milion, it seems like a no brainer if his current form holds up. However, La Liga commentator, Terry Gibson, has highlighted how the club's current financial state could prevent a deal from coming to fruition.
When asked about how the presence of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha impact Rashford's future at the Camp Nou, Gibson exclusively told the MEN: "I think he's benefited from the fact that Rafinha's been injured and Yamal's been injured, [Robert] Lewandowski's been injured, Ferran Torres has been injured.
"So out of those four or five players, he's the only one that's been fit for every game this season - and he's benefited from that. He's played, he's been able to get up to speed, get some confidence, and he looks like a Barcelona player now.
"So I don't see any reason why they wouldn't sign him. You can't just rely on three. I think it's a push for him to be the first choice with those three. I think it's a given.
"Lewandowski up front, Yamal and Raphinha. I think after what they did last season, it's obvious that they will be the front three. But it doesn't always work out that all three are available.
Terry Gibson is picked up by his team-mates
Terry Gibson played for Manchester United and Tottenham
View 2 Images
"It doesn't work out because they're playing 60 games a season. And I think it's pretty certain, I think, that Barcelona will pay the fee to make that permanent."
However, the former United and Tottenham Hotspur star also conceded that it may not be a simple task for Barcelona to find the funds to complete Rashford's permanent transfer. He explained: "Well, it's not as easy to find £30m for Barcelona as it is normally.
"But back in the new stadium now, charging a fortune for tickets at the moment, 45,000 at the weekend, it's going to keep creeping up. And then Barcelona, before long, will be back on a familiar financial footing. And they'll be setting their sights very high to bring back in superstars at Barcelona."
Last month, it was reported that Barca had accrued an alarming transfer fee debt of around £138m after publishing their financial report for 2024/25, raising questions with regards to the long-term sustainability of the club. It was also claimed that the club will have to clear £121m of that sum by season's end to stay afloat.
Rashford could see this as a major red flag in the long run, especially given his future with United is seemingly non-existent at present.
He could also take issue with fan unrest at the club, given the price of tickets at Camp Nou, which is currently undergoing major refurbishment but recently opened once again at a limited-capacity of around 45,000.
For context, the cheapest ticket available on the club's website for their clash with Alaves come Saturday, November 29 is £95.51 (€109), while the most cost-efficient ticket for their match with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, December 2 comes in at £148 (€169).
However, Rashford has seemingly been impressed with his time on Spanish soil as of late. Speaking in September, he said: "Playing for Barca is an amazing experience. I've always been a huge admirer of Barcelona.
"We want to win as much as possible. One hundred per cent I'm full of excitement. I'm very motivated and determined. The quality we have in the team excites me. It's so refreshing to play with these players."