Marcus Rashford is entering the final stretch of his loan spell with Barcelona, with the La Liga giants yet to decide on whether to sign him permanently for £26million
BARCELONA, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 17: Joan Laporta attends the press conference during the presentation of his candidacy for the presidency of FC Barcelona with the ‘Defensem el Barça’ platform at Sede ‘Defensem el Barça’ on February 17, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo By Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images)
Joan Laporta has discussed Marcus Rashford's future(Image: Javier Borrego/Europa Press via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has suggested that his club could extend Marcus Rashford's loan from Manchester United rather than activate their £26million option to buy. Rashford, 28, initially joined Barca until the end of the current season, having been frozen out by then-United manager Ruben Amorim.
The England international has provided 20 goals and assists for the La Liga champions, but only five of those have come in 2026. Just before the turn of the year, Rashford lost his place in Hansi Flick's first-choice XI to Raphinha following the Brazilian's return from injury.
United are adamant that they won't lower their price for Rashford, having agreed on a £26m fee when the forward moved to Catalunya in July. According to reports, Barcelona currently aren't willing to pay that sum and have identified Chelsea star Pedro Neto as an alternative to Rashford.
Laporta has now floated some more options, telling Spanish outlet Jijantes: "We could extend (Rashford's) loan further. It depends on what Deco (Barcelona's sporting director) wants. There are formulas, such as paying part of the buy option to Manchester United and figuring out the rest later."
The Barca president added that Rashford has 'good numbers in goals and statistics, great chemistry in the locker room, and he is very involved with the Foundation'.
Laporta's own future is uncertain and could affect that of Rashford, as the chief prepares to stand for reelection on Sunday. Fintech entrepreneur Victor Font is expected to be Laporta's closest rival, as he was in 2021.
Rashford has already made his stance on remaining at Barcelona clear. "What I want is to stay at Barca," the United loanee told Catalan newspaper Sport back in December.
Marcus Rashford of Barcelona takes on Malick Thiaw of Newcastle United during the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, 1st Leg match between Newcastle United and FC Barcelona at St. James's Park in Newcastle, United Kingdom, on March 10, 2026. (Photo by Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford has just over two months to convince Barcelona(Image: Michael Driver/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
"It's the ultimate goal, but it's not the reason I'm training hard and giving my all. The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles."
Rashford's next chance to impress could be against Sevilla on Sunday. The 28-year-old will be hoping to start the La Liga fixture, having come on as a second-half substitute during Tuesday's 1-1 first-leg draw with Newcastle in the Champions League round-of-16.