Manchester United's Marcus Rashford is thriving on loan at Barcelona with six goals and nine assists, but the club's financial difficulties could prevent his permanent move
Marcus Rashford joining Barcelona from Manchester United on a permanent transfer could be blocked
Marcus Rashford joining Barcelona from Manchester United on a permanent transfer could be blocked
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Marcus Rashford's hopes of securing a permanent switch to Barcelona could be dashed by the club's ongoing money troubles. The Manchester United forward is currently flourishing at the Catalan giants on a season-long loan deal, having been frozen out by Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
So far this campaign, the 28-year-old has notched six goals and provided nine assists across 17 outings. With Barcelona possessing an option to make his switch permanent next summer for a fee around £30million, it appears straightforward if his present form continues.
Yet La Liga commentator Terry Gibson has warned how the club's financial difficulties could scupper any deal. Other top players in his position, such as Raphinha and Lamine Yamal, also look set to play a role in his future.
Gibson said: "I think he's benefited from the fact that Rafinha's been injured and Yamal's been injured, [Robert] Lewandowski's been injured, Ferran Torres has been injured.
"So out of those four or five players, he's the only one that's been fit for every game this season - and he's benefited from that. He's played, he's been able to get up to speed, get some confidence, and he looks like a Barcelona player now."
"So I don't see any reason why they wouldn't sign him. You can't just rely on three. I think it's a push for him to be the first choice with those three. I think it's a given.
"Lewandowski up front, Yamal and Raphinha. I think after what they did last season, it's obvious that they will be the front three. But it doesn't always work out that all three are available.
"It doesn't work out because they're playing 60 games a season. And I think it's pretty certain, I think, that Barcelona will pay the fee to make that permanent."
Nevertheless, the ex-United and Spurs midfielder admitted securing the necessary funds to permanently sign Rashford might prove challenging for Barcelona. He said: "Well, it's not as easy to find £30m for Barcelona as it is normally.
The England forward has thrived since moving to Spain
The England forward has thrived since moving to Spain
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"But back in the new stadium now, charging a fortune for tickets at the moment, 45,000 at the weekend, it's going to keep creeping up. And then Barcelona, before long, will be back on a familiar financial footing. And they'll be setting their sights very high to bring back in superstars at Barcelona."
Reports emerged last month revealing Barca had accumulated a worrying transfer debt of approximately £138million following the publication of their 2024/25 financial accounts, sparking concerns about the club's long-term viability
The figures also suggested the Catalan giants must settle £121million of that amount before the campaign concludes to remain financially stable. Such financial uncertainty could serve as a significant warning sign for Rashford in the long term, particularly as his prospects at United appear increasingly bleak.
He might also raise concerns about supporter discontent at the club, particularly regarding ticket prices at Camp Nou, which is currently undergoing extensive renovation but has recently reopened with a reduced capacity of approximately 45,000.
To put this into perspective, the most affordable ticket listed on the club's website for their fixture against Alaves on Saturday, November 29 costs £95.51 (€109), whilst the cheapest option for their encounter with Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, December 2 stands at £148 (€169).
Nevertheless, Rashford appears to have been impressed during his recent time in Spain. Speaking in September, he said: "Playing for Barca is an amazing experience. I've always been a huge admirer of Barcelona.
"We want to win as much as possible. One hundred per cent I'm full of excitement. I'm very motivated and determined. The quality we have in the team excites me. It's so refreshing to play with these players."