It’s looking like it’ll be a busy summer for Barcelona’s sporting director.
It’s looking like it’ll be a busy summer for Barcelona’s sporting director. | David S Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Julian Alvarez.
Julián Álvarez recently ended an 11-game slump against Barcelona. | Manu Reino/DeFodi Images/Getty Images
Joan Laporta, Hansi Flick, Deco.
Joan Laporta (left) named Deco Barcelona’ß sporting director in 2023. | Joan Valls/Urbanandsport /NurPhoto/Getty Images
Barcelona have the option to buy Marcus Rashford permanently this summer.
Barcelona have the option to buy Marcus Rashford permanently this summer. | Judit Cartiel/Getty Images
Marcus Rashford
Rashford isn’t expected to return to Man Utd. | Alex Livesey/Danehouse/Getty Images
The relentless lever-pulling of president Joan Laporta has allowed Barcelona to subtly build their squad in recent transfer windows, and Rashford was the sole big-name arrival last summer.
Barça worked out a loan deal with Manchester United, with former manager Amorim keen to be rid and INEOS penny pinchers wanting to ditch the Englishman’s mammoth £315,000 weekly wages. The indebted Catalonians offered to cover Rashford’s salary this season.
Ye when it comes to the option to buy that becomes revelvant come summer, the Daily Mail writes that United have no interest in renegotiating that fee and still expect Barcelona to take up the full, pre-arranged option at the end of the season.
Having missed out on a hefty chunk of revenue by failing to qualify for the Champions League, Manchester United have made a concerted effort to cut costs by trimming their wage bill. In addition to Rashford, the Red Devils will soon also part ways with Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and their combined £625,000 weekly salary.
Rashford’s Positive Impact at Barcelona
Marcus Rashford
Rashford has been productive in Catalonia. | Alex Caparros/UEFA/Getty Images
Manchester United expect Barcelona to trigger the buy clause in Rashford’s loan deal for the simple reason that the Englishman has been a hit in Spain.
After meandering towards the culmination of his career at Old Trafford, Rashford has received a new lease of life in Catalonia.
Raphinha’s injury issues have helped, of course, with Flick calling upon him more than he may have expected before the season got underway. Rashford isn’t the menacing presser that Raphinha is, but he’s similarly destructive in front of goal and is willing to penetrate defences in behind. Overall, he’s been an excellent fit for the system.
Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona Stats—Feb. 18, 2026
Appearances: 34
Minutes Played: 1,940
Goals: 10
Assists: 13
Minutes Per Goal Involvement: 84.3
Excluding the Spanish Super Cup, Rashford has been productive across all competitions for Barça this season.
The winger has recorded 12 La Liga goal involvements in 21 games, nine in eight Champions League outings and two in three Copa del Rey ties.
He’s enjoyed his most prolific campaign since 2022–23, and Barça, despite their monetary woes, would be foolish to attempt any cunning business regarding his buy clause.
What Happens if Barcelona Don’t Trigger Rashford’s Option to Buy?
Joan Laporta
Barcelona could get caught out if they to be too clever. | Javier Borrego/Europa Press/Getty Images
By not automatically stumping up the potential £30 million fee to keep Rashford, Barcelona may hope that it puts pressure on United to lower their demands, praying on fear from Old Trafford that they could end up back at square one.
But playing that game leaves the Catalans vulnerable to losing a player they’d rather keep.
If they relinquish the option by refusing to pay it, another club could poach Rashford, whose market value (per Transfermarkt) is close to £35 million—with the potential to keep growing—and therefore already higher than the exclusive deal Barcelona have on the table.
Rashford’s form for Barcelona, while not world-beating, has been plenty good enough to potentially create a market for him that didn’t exist last summer.
READ THE LATEST TRANSFER NEWS AND RUMORS FROM WORLD SOCCER
Lionel Messi’s relationship with Barcelona has been fraught.
Lionel Messi’s relationship with Barcelona has been fraught. | Luiza Moraes/MLS/Alex Caparros-UEFA/Getty Images
Lionel Messi (left) and Joan Laporta.
Lionel Messi (left) once had a very good relationship with Joan Laporta. | David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Messi's Barca goodbye was emotional.
Messi’s Barça goodbye was emotional. | Getty/Marc Gonzalez Aloma/Europa Press
Messi
Lionel Messi joined PSG after Barcelona. | IMAGO/ABACAPRESS
Barcelona will host Levante.
Barcelona will host Levante. | Alex CaparrosUEFA/Getty Images/IMAGO/YAY Images
Pedri
Pedri has returned to training. | Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images
Barcelona predicted lineup
Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde could come into the XI. | FotMob
Levante manager Luís Castro
Luís Castro is missing several first-teamers. | Ivan Terron/Europa Press/Getty Images
Levante predicted lineup
Etta Eyong could be restored to the XI. | FotMob