Barcelona are reportedly set to open talks with Manchester United over the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford but they want to change the conditions for his move
Marcus Rashford
Barcelona have the option to sign Marcus Rashford for £26m at the end of the season(Image: Getty Images)
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Barcelona are reportedly attempting to negotiate down the £26million purchase option with Manchester United for Marcus Rashford. The 28-year-old has spent the 2025/26 campaign on loan in Spain, recapturing his best form.
Rashford has netted 10 goals and provided 13 assists, including nine goal contributions across eight Champions League fixtures. His performances in La Liga have earned him a recall to the England squad, with Thomas Tuchel anticipated to include him in his World Cup selection.
Barcelona hold the option to secure the forward for a maximum of £26million, a clause agreed between both clubs when the loan deal was finalised. However, multiple reports have indicated his permanent transfer may not be quite so straightforward.
Spanish reports at the beginning of the year suggested that Barca were reluctant to meet the agreed valuation and would seek to reduce the fee or arrange another loan spell, with an obligation to purchase. It was subsequently claimed they would, in fact, activate the clause and sign the United loanee on a permanent basis.
However, Sport is now reporting that a crucial meeting happened between Barca's sporting director Deco and Arturo Canales, Rashford's agent, on Monday, to start laying the groundwork for discussions with United ahead of the summer. The newspaper claims that Deco's goal is to attempt to lower the €30million purchase option agreed last summer – though Barca do plan to sign the forward permanently this summer.
It's understood that United officials believe the England international's value is now nearer to £50m, with several other clubs showing interest in signing him this summer. However, Rashford's desire to secure a permanent switch to Barcelona means they could exploit that to negotiate a lower price.
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has enjoyed his football with Barcelona this season(Image: Getty Images)
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"I don't see anything here as like a pressure," he told BBC Sport in December. "It's just, I'm here to play football. It's been amazing. I feel welcome, I feel at home. I've just been enjoying every step of the way."
Barcelona and Rashford are currently competing for the La Liga, Champions League and Copa del Rey. Hansi Flick's men currently lead Real Madrid at the top of the table and finished in the top eight of the Champions League league phase.
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