Man United forward Marcus Rashford could stay at Barcelona beyond this season, which he's spent on loan.
Rashford pictured at Barcelona.(Image: Getty Images)
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Reports claiming that Barcelona's option to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent transfer for £26million (€30m) has expired are wide of the mark. Manchester United inserted the £26m option into Rashford's loan deal and it's still active, despite Spanish reports suggesting otherwise.
There has been noise from Spain suggesting that Barcelona would like to negotiate a lower fee to sign Rashford at the end of the season. However, United have taken an early stance by outlining that Barcelona must pay the agreed £26m fee if they want to sign the forward.
United are confident of offloading Rashford in the summer if Barcelona are not willing to trigger their option fee, but the Catalan club are keen to keep him at Camp Nou.
United are unwilling to accept a lower fee for Rashford as they seek to improve the club's reputation in the transfer market.
Speaking during an interview with RAC1 last month, Barcelona president Joan Laporta said: "We will try, in Barca’s interest, to ensure that Marcus Rashford can continue with us beyond this season.
"Marcus is performing very well with assists and goals, we’re happy. We could extend the loan further. It depends on what Deco wants. There are formulas, such as paying part of the buy option to Manchester United and figuring out the rest later.”
Rashford has contributed 10 goals and 13 assists in 39 appearances for Barcelona this season. In September, Hansi Flick described Rashford as "fantastic" and said his finishing was "unbelievable" after he scored a brace against Newcastle at St. James' Park in the Champions League.
In 2022, Barca were in serious financial trouble and sold off everything they could within reason, but their financial situation has improved, and they are on course to win La Liga. Flick's side have reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League this term.