Marcus Rashford is entering the final stretch of his season-long loan at Barcelona, who have the option to sign him permanently from Manchester United for £26million
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 31: Marcus Rashford of England during the international friendly match between England and Japan at Wembley Stadium on March 31, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford's future is in doubt(Image: Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Barcelona have been set a deadline to decide whether they want to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis. Rashford, 28, has two months left on his season-long loan at Barca, who signed him from Manchester United last summer.
The two European giants negotiated an option to buy worth £26million, which chiefs at the Camp Nou are yet to make a decision on. With 10 goals and 10 assists to his name, the England international has been a useful component in Hansi Flick's attack.
But according to reports, Barcelona are looking at alternatives and have asked United about extending his loan. The Red Devils, on the other hand, won't alter the deal, with ESPN reporting that the La Liga champions have until June 15 to trigger their purchase option.
It's added that if Barca were to exercise that option, they could pay it in three instalments over the next three years. Rashford's entourage are said to have been in contact with Barcelona over the last few days in order to ascertain the club's stance.
Last month, before being re-elected as Barca president, Joan Laporta told Spanish outlet Jijantes: "We could extend the loan further, it depends on what (sporting director) Deco wants.
"There are options: include part of the purchase option with United and we'll see about the rest. We're studying the deal."
But United have no intention of budging and will only entertain a permanent sale. If Barcelona refuse to pay up and another buyer can't be found, Rashford would return to Old Trafford for pre-season training after this summer's World Cup.
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Marcus Rashford of England runs with the ball past Federico Valverde of Uruguay during the international friendly match between England and Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Alex Davidson - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford played for England during the international break(Image: Alex Davidson - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
The forward is intent on staying at Barca, though, and told Catalan newspaper Sport back in December: "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 is set to be given more minutes over the coming weeks after Raphinha suffered a hamstring injury while on international duty with Brazil. The United loanee's best period was when Raphinha was injured earlier this season, allowing Rashford to play on the left-hand side of a front three.
Barca's next game is away to Atletico Madrid - who they'll also face in the Champions League quarter-finals - on Saturday.