Manchester United will reject Barcelona's bid to extend Marcus Rashford's loan deal and demand the agreed £26m transfer fee, leaving the clubs on collision course over the striker's future
17:18, 19 Mar 2026
Marcus Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona
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Marcus Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona
Manchester United will knock back Barcelona's attempt to extend Marcus Rashford's loan arrangement by another season.
And United will demand the Spanish club stump up the agreed £26million sum - or return the England striker to Manchester in June. Rashford moved to Barca on a season-long loan last summer.
At that point, both sides agreed the deal would become permanent for £26m. Rashford has since rediscovered his finest form and is keen to commit his long-term future to Barca.
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona celebrates scoring his team's third goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and Elche CF at Spotify Camp Nou on November 02, 2025 in Barcelona, Spain.
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Barcelona wanted to extend Marcus Rashford's loan instead of paying the agreed fee(Image: Getty Images)
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But re-elected Barca president Joan Laporta wants to prolong the striker's loan into a second campaign - to dodge having to pay the fee until the summer of 2027.
United officials have had no recent contact with their Spanish counterparts. But it's understood the English club are unwilling to permit Rashford to stay at the Nou Camp on loan.
United would be ready to welcome Rashford back - and flog him to the highest bidder before next season, reports the Mirror.
Marcus Rashford of Barcelona
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Marcus Rashford has enjoyed his loan spell at Barcelona(Image: James Gill - Danehouse, Getty Images)
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Old Trafford bosses recognise Rashford's revival in Spain has increased his market value. And United would be confident of securing nearer to £50m for the 28-year-old, whilst removing him from the wage bill simultaneously.
Rashford has netted 10 goals and registered eight assists for the Catalan club. He has earned his place back in the England squad and is expected to go to the World Cup this summer. And United are aware that if he can put on a stellar performance for the Three Lions, his valuation could potentially rise even further.
The situation has set both United and Barca on a collision course - with United refusing to negotiate a deal unless it is on their terms.