Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford could step up for Barcelona with Robert Lewandowski injured.
Barcelona are close to an agreement to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis. Spanish newspaper Sport reported over the weekend that a framework has been agreed for Barcelona to pay the £26 million purchase clause over three yearly instalments. Rashford will take a pay cut.
Fittingly, Marcus Rashford is now being thrust further into the spotlight after an injury to Robert Lewandowski.
What is Marcus Rashford truly worth in 2026 after his Barcelona loan?
Barcelona have a £26m buy option for Marcus Rashford, but what is he actually worth in today's market?
Marcus Rashford's transfer value in 2026
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Marcus Rashford dribbling for Barcelona vs three Villarreal players
Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images
Marcus Rashford could lead line for crucial stretch
Barcelona lead striker Robert Lewandowski has suffered a fractured eye socket during their win over Villarreal.
Lewandowski has been ruled out of Barcelona’s Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid. The tie is effectively over with Atletico winning the first leg 4-0.
It’s unclear how soon Lewandowski could return. Next week Barcelona’s Champions League campaign restarts, when they face Newcastle. Both legs of their last 16 tie take place in March.
Barcelona need to find a stand-in for Lewandowski, and Spanish newspaper AS speculate that Marcus Rashford could be the solution.
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The outlet notes: “They need a clinical finish. Marcus Rashford could deliver that. With ten goals and eleven assists, the Briton is one of the most potent players in the squad.”
Striker is not Rashford’s preferred role, but he will be keen to take any starting opportunities that come his way.
Rashford’s current role at Barcelona is a squad player, he is not part of Hansi Flick’s preferred front three, consisting of Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal.
What do you think is Marcus Rashford’s legacy at Man Utd?
If Rashford can deliver, he becomes a hero
Marcus Rashford’s contributions for Barcelona this season have been welcome. But he has also been a bonus for them.
Now this is the point of the season where contributions actually matter most. Rashford’s goals against Newcastle in the Champions League group stages were nice. But now he needs to produce all over again in the knockout stages.
If Lewandowski misses those games and Rashford steps up and produces, his value becomes even more integral to Barcelona.
It looks like the deal is advanced and even poor performances won’t scare Barcelona off at this point, but it’s worth noting that he can really seal the deal with a strong month.
The United loanee has not played 90 minutes once in 2026. Now thrust into the spotlight, Rashford needs to show he can thrive.
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