Manchester United and Barcelona are locked in negotiations over a summer transfer for Marcus Rashford.
While things are moving swiftly and positively on the personal terms front, there remains a major obstacle for the clubs to overcome if a deal is to be agreed.
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Barcelona and United’s talks for Rashford: What’s being said?
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA - JANUARY 11: Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona is challenged by Aurelien Tchouameni of Real Madrid during the Spanish Super Cup Final between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at King Abdullah Sports City Hall Stadium on January 11, 2026 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
(Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)
That’s because Barcelona, despite agreeing to the price last year, are now trying to haggle for a lower fee for Rashford in order to avoid paying the full £26 million.
United, meanwhile, already feel as though they set the sum too low, given how the forward has fared since swapping Manchester for Catalonia.
Rashford has enjoyed a new lease of life over in Spain, marking his first venture outside of England since he kick-started his career.
Appearances Goals Assists
426 138 79
*Rashford’s complete record for United
In the 34 appearances he has made in all competitions, he has returned a hugely impressive 10 goals and 13 assists.
The 28-year-old has particularly excelled in the Champions League, where he has notched five goals and four assists in Barcelona’s eight first-phase matches.
What’s more, Rashford has already secured silverware in a Blaugrana shirt after the side defeated Real Madrid to win the Spanish Super Cup back in January.
League-wise, Barcelona sit atop the table and a point above Los Blancos.
Barcelona still trying to sign Rashford in cut-price deal
Marcus Rashford warming up
(Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Fabrizio Romano provided an update on United and Barcelona’s talks last night after officials from the latter were spotted attending a meeting with Rashford’s agent on Monday.
Barcelona’s officials were in a meeting with Marcus Rashford’s agent today [@sport] pic.twitter.com/ebJyecJJNE
— utdreport (@utdreport) February 23, 2026
“What Barcelona did in the recent days and weeks is tell Marcus Rashford in a very clear way, ‘We want you to stay. We are very happy with you.’ That’s the message from Barcelona, and also from the coach, Hansi Flick,” said Romano on his YouTube channel.
“Rashford has the same feeling – he wants to stay at Barcelona. Now, the negotiations on the contract terms between Rashford and Barca are underway, and it’s going very well. Barcelona, financially, are talking about the salary and are making progress to reach an agreement.
“Then, there is the club-to-club side. Barcelona want to negotiate on the €30 million buy option clause. Man United’s message remains very clear: ‘We want that money. If you want Rashford, pay €30m, or the player is not joining.’”
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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 31: David Moyes, Manager of Everton, applauds the fans following the team's draw in the Premier League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Everton at Amex Stadium on January 31, 2026 in Brighton, England.