Barcelona have reportedly proposed fresh terms to Manchester United in their efforts to land Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona and Head coach of Barcelona Hansi Flick are present during the LaLiga EA Sports 2025/26 match between Rayo Vallecano and Barcelona
Barcelona are hoping to get an even sweeter deal out of Manchester United in their efforts to sign Marcus Rashford permanently(Image: Guillermo Martinez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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La Liga giants Barcelona are increasingly convinced it could be in their best interest to sign Marcus Rashford permanently. However, Manchester United won't be thrilled at reports suggesting the Catalans want to reduce his transfer fee.
As if the £26million purchase clause in Rashford's loan agreement didn't look like enough of a bargain, Barca want to pay even less for the forward. However, Sport acknowledged that 'won't be possible' given United's firm stance on the matter.
Rashford, 28, has excelled at the Camp Nou more than many might have expected following his struggles at Old Trafford. He's converted 10 goals and made 13 assists in 34 games for Barcelona, including nine direct goal involvements in only eight Champions League outings.
It should come as no surprise that Hansi Flick appears to favour the England international, given his prominent use of the player. Rashford has started 20 times under the German this season and has failed to feature just once after being named in a matchday squad.
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For his part, Flick has expressed his contentment with Rashford's progress so far. And it bodes well for his chances of a permanent move that the German believes the forward can further improve his game.
"We always look at goals, final passes, but as a coach he can give us much more," he recently told reporters. "That's what I want to see. I'm very happy with him; he's giving us what we ask of him, but he has even more potential."
Marcus Rashford after winning the Spanish Super Cup final match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Rashford appears to be enjoying his stay at the Camp Nou(Image: NurPhoto, NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Raphinha's injury issues have worked in Rashford's favour, increasing their reliance on his services. However, that's not to suggest the attacker hasn't done his part when called upon.
It's a win-win for United. If Barcelona don't exercise their purchase option, his spell in Spain has underlined the quality Rashford continues to bring at the top level, which is sure to draw interest from other clubs.
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United may even prefer that option, considering they would likely then be able to demand a higher fee for the player. And then there's the third option of him returning to Old Trafford despite suggestions he's keen to end that chapter of his career.
Reports recently surfaced that interim United boss Michael Carrick wants his old team-mate back at his parent club. And if he's handed the reins on a permanent basis, keeping Rashford on their books may become a greater priority.
Michael Carrick talks to Marcus Rashford on the pitch for Man United
Barca's chances of signing Rashford could be hampered amid reports Michael Carrick wants his old team-mate back at Old Trafford(Image: Getty)
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Not only that, but Rashford himself may be more inclined to return under a coach with whom he once shared the field. Carrick has earned praise for his man-management skills in addition to his coaching habits, and Rashford's bridges may not yet be burned with Carrick calling the shots.
In any case, the chances of United acquiescing to Barcelona's request and lowering Barcelona's fee looks unlikely. However, there may be alternative avenues the two clubs could explore, such as Barca sending one of their players in return.