Marcus Rashford is still in limbo, with Barcelona and Manchester United not in agreement over the terms of a permanent transfer for the 28-year-old forward this summer
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona
Marcus Rashford is still waiting to seal a transfer to Barcelona(Image: Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Barcelona have agreed personal terms with Marcus Rashford, but are still at deadlock with Manchester United in their attempts to sign the forward for a bargain price. Rashford is desperate to make his loan move permanent this summer, and is willing to make concessions, but United are steadfast in their refusal to negotiate.
Rashford has made a huge impact during his loan spell, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists in 48 games for Hansi Flick's side. He has helped Barca win La Liga and is happy in Catalonia.
Flick wants to keep the 28-year-old forward, but Barca's financial situation means that turning his loan into a transfer isn't straightforward. Barca have been trying to haggle with United because they are unwilling to pay the £26million clause in the original agreement and instead would prefer another loan which contains a lower option to buy next summer, when Rashford will only have a year left on his contract.
Rashford's contract with United pays around £325,000 per week until June 2028. He is willing to take a significant reduction to secure a move away from Old Trafford and Catalan outlet Sport says personal terms have been agreed.
Barcelona, however, are finding United much harder to deal with. They are unwilling to reduce the £26m option to buy and feel that Rashford is already undervalued after such an impactful first campaign.
It is reported that United have agreed to receive the transfer fee spread into instalments over three years. But they are simply unwilling to discuss a reduced fee, or another loan spell, given that Rashford's value will decrease as his contract runs down.
What could work in Rashford's favour is the unequivocal backing of Flick, whose opinion carries a lot of weigh after securing a second straight La Liga title. Flick is reportedly not sold on any alternatives to Rashford, who has been consistent playing off the left wing.
Marcus Rashford and Hansi Flick
Marcus Rashford has enjoyed his time at Barcelona under Hansi Flick(Image: Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
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"I am really proud of everyone,” Flick said after securing the trophy. “For me, it is really a family and I appreciate it. As a coach it is always tough: you have to manage players and they have their own goals. But in the end it is about mentality and attitude and the team shows that in every training.
“In the beginning of the season I spoke about egos but I always felt would we come on the top level because I could see training. The most important thing is how they play for each other: it is unbelievable. And the people in Barcelona are really kind to us. This is really the thing I appreciate a lot.”
Barcelona finish their campaign away at Valencia on Saturday, before thoughts will fully turn to the summer transfer window. Rashford will be involved in England's squad at the World Cup in North America and would ideally like to have his club future decided before then.
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