Barcelona are reluctant to activate Marcus Rashford's £26m buy clause after his loan spell but experts say he represents the best financial deal available as Man United hold talks over permanent transfer
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is keen to join Barcelona on a permanent basis from Manchester United(Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)
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Barcelona are reportedly in discussions with Manchester United over the possibility of signing Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis this summer. The 28 year old's loan stint is drawing to a close, and the Catalan giants are eager to secure his services permanently - but there's a catch.
As per talkSPORT, Barcelona are hesitant to trigger Rashford's €30million (£26m) purchase clause and instead, aim to negotiate a reduced fee. A second loan spell, possibly with a conditional obligation to buy, has also been mooted as an alternative.
Further talks are anticipated as the season draws to a close, with both clubs seeking a resolution. United are keen to capitalise on Rashford and believe the clause is fair, while Barcelona have the upper hand given the winger's wish to stay at Camp Nou.
While his dream may yet come true, the La Liga heavyweights are hoping to negotiate a more financially favourable deal before committing to the current purchase option. If an agreement is reached, it's reported that Rashford would be offered a contract until the summer of 2029.
The 28-year-old England international is expected to play a more prominent role in Catalonia next season if a deal can be struck, particularly with Robert Lewandowski, who turns 38 in August, out of contract at the end of the season.
Rashford has already expressed his desire to stay at the club beyond his loan period. "Of course what I want is to stay at Barca," Rashford said.
"It's an end goal, but it's not the reason why I'm training hard and giving it my best.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has lifted his first trophy with Barcelona(Image: )
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"The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles."
Meanwhile, European football expert Andy Brassell has suggested that Rashford represents the 'most sensible' financial option currently available.
"He's maybe the cheapest financial deal out there," he observed. "They may even loan him for an extra year. He's taken a fair hit on his wages and if United are keen on moving him on permanently and if something can be worked out.
"It feels like one of the best deals out there for Barcelona because they know he works there already. There's not as much risk as there would be buying a player fresh.
"I think if they go out there and try and buy someone of Marcus Rashford's quality on the open market, it's going to be a heck of a lot more expensive. We've got to bear in mind as well that next season, they'll probably, almost certainly, have Robert Lewandowski's wages off the books."
Rashford has made a significant impression since arriving at Barcelona, notching seven goals and 11 assists in 27 appearances. However, he has found himself in and out of the starting line-up recently, with Raphinha being favoured on the left flank.
On Sunday, Rashford lifted his first trophy with his new teammates as the Catalan club secured a 3-2 triumph over Real Madrid in the Supercopa final in Jeddah.
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