Marcus Rashford’s future at Barcelona is in doubt amid reports their Sporting Director, Deco, has come to a similar realisation as Manchester United chiefs, believing the money would be better spent elsewhere.
Ever since Marcus Rashford joined Barcelona on loan, the Manchester United loanee has had a desire to remain at Camp Nou beyond this season.
That is in serious doubt following suggestions Rashford wasted an opportunity to make a case for a permanent deal during Raphinha’s absence due to another hamstring injury.
Rashford made his 44th appearance of the season when he came off the bench in Barcelona’s 1-0 win over Celta Vigo on Wednesday night. They are on course to win the La Liga title this season.
Marcus Rashford playing against Celta Vigo
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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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Barcelona at crossroads over Marcus Rashford
A decision over Rashford has already been made at Old Trafford. United would prefer to part ways with the academy graduate after his second loan spell away from the club.
If Barcelona don’t trigger a £26m obligation to buy in June, a return to United may appeal to Rashford. That would see a significant U-turn from a club that appeared to wash their hands of the 28-year-old when he joined Aston Villa on loan last season.
Rashford has since made it very clear that it’s a dream to play for Barcelona. That dream could come to an end unless a deal is rearranged between the two clubs this summer.
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United must be wary of Barcelona’s bluff in playing the long game with a view to achieving another loan deal. It remains to be seen if Rashford would be interested in playing for another club, though he may have little choice in the matter.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, Hansi Flick and Deco agree that they are not willing to spend the required money on the transfer fee or wages to sign Rashford on a permanent deal.
The cost of completing the transfer is deemed as ‘too high’, meaning they will look at other options in the position at a much more affordable price.
It’s a similar approach to what United are taking with Rashford, as they want to sign a younger option in the transfer window.
Barcelona correspondent Santi Ovalle has also told Cadena SER that Deco would prefer to invest €60m in a new winger rather than keeping Rashford on a high salary, while Flick is supposedly more open to retaining the United loanee for squad depth.
This shows that Barcelona see a future without Rashford.
⚡️ NEWS IN BRIEF
Barcelona have yet to communicate a definitive decision over Marcus Rashford’s future
Deco would prefer to sign a younger winger than complete a deal for Rashford
Rashford’s salary is an issue on top of the transfer fee being demanded by Manchester United
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Marcus Rashford can benefit from latest Barcelona injury
In Barcelona’s recent victory over Celta Vigo, Spanish youngster Lamine Yamal picked up an injury while he scored the match-winning penalty.
Rashford, who was unable to take advantage of Raphinha’s recent injury, now has a chance to get more minutes on the pitch in the remaining fixtures.
Sky Sports claims that Yamal is set to miss the rest of the season and possibly the start of the 2026 World Cup.
It remains to be seen if Flick will select Rashford as a starter in Yamal’s absence, but Barcelona are on course to win the title regardless.
At least Rashford will have a league-winners medal in his pocket at the end of the season, even if his future is undecided.
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