Barcelona have a plan in place for Marcus Rashford, after signing the Manchester United forward on loan at the beginning of the season with an option to make it a permanent deal.
Although Marcus Rashford has enjoyed improved form since joining Barcelona on a temporary deal, Manchester United have not changed their stance on the England international.
There are multiple reasons for United to avoid bringing Rashford back, including wages, but the narrative is completely different in Spain now that he has proven himself as a threat in La Liga.
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Split image of Marcus Rashford in Barcelona jacket looking to the side and Harry Amass in Sheffield Wednesday kit looking to the side.
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Rashford has made 26 appearances for Barcelona so far, scoring seven goals and registering 11 assists. His aim for the remainder of the season will be to try to cement a place in Hansi Flick’s side rather than only starting games when the coach decides to rotate his attacking line.
That said, Flick is satisfied with Rashford’s contributions to date, and it’s almost time for talks over the forward’s uncertain future.
Marcus Rashford playing against Athletic Club
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Marcus Rashford set to stay at Barcelona
Barcelona find themselves in a La Liga title race with four points more than rivals Real Madrid in second.
That means Rashford is in contention to fight for his first domestic title as a player because he wasn’t able to win the Premier League at United after graduating from the academy.
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Reports suggest that Barcelona also have an eye on keeping Rashford beyond this season.
Alfredo Martinez claims Barcelona intends to permanently sign Rashford for around £26 million (€30m).
Rashford may be unlikely to return to United regardless of who is head coach, but he has a contract at the club that expires in the summer of 2028.
The 28-year-old last played for United in January 2025 before being cast aside by former United head coach Ruben Amorim and sent on loan to Aston Villa.
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Ineos chief and Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe attends the official opening of the refurbished training complex at Carrington in 2025 in Manchester, England.
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Meanwhile, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano adds that Barcelona have already informed Rashford and his representatives about their desire to keep him beyond this season.
The biggest difference with Romano’s report is that he claims there is ‘no guarantee’ over the buy option in Rashford’s current deal with Barcelona. That will depend on Barcelona’s financial situation in the summer.
This is a major boost for United because Ineos have been trying to cut the wage bill since Sir Jim Ratcliffe became co-owner.
Although Barcelona are paying a chunk of Rashford’s salary while he’s on loan, he is still one of the highest earners at Old Trafford, along with Casemiro, who could see his contract expire in the summer.
Marcus Rashford takes on Real Madrid in Spanish Super Cup final
Rashford could play in his second-ever El Clásico when Barcelona hosts Real Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.
It’s an opportunity for Rashford and his Barcelona teammates to pick up the first piece of silverware this season.
That means Rashford has a chance to win his first trophy at Barcelona.
Flick’s main objective, however, will be to win La Liga and compete in the latter stages of the Champions League.
Rashford has a lot to play for this season.
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