Marcus Rashford's loan to Barcelona was expected to become a permanent exit from Manchester United but a transfer may not be the La Liga giant's first priority
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford is not guaranteed to stay at Barcelona(Image: Kevin Hodgson/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
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Marcus Rashford's permanent move from Manchester United to Barcelona appears to have been put on ice as the Catalan club form their plans for next season. The La Liga side had identified Rashford's experience as complementary to the young talents they are eyeing, but Barca may look to keep Robert Lewandowski in that veteran role.
The Poland star had been expected to depart but Spain's champions have opened the door to him staying, and offered a new contract, albeit on reduced terms. The financial impact of a move for Rashford on Barca's other transfer business could yet prove insurmountable for club chiefs as they look at other avenues.
Despite Hansi Flick being keen to keep Rashford at Camp Nou, Barcelona have decided to pause progress over a deal where the player's salary has proven problematic, according to Sport. The loan star is willing to reduce his salary by almost half, by spreading payments over a long-term contract but that could still put the club's salary cap under pressure.
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Rashford can move to Barcelona with a £26million fee in place but the overall cost of the package has seen doubts arise. There is a belief his permanent stay could impact their ability to sign a central defender and forward, without making sales.
Barca are already said to be in talks over players of a similar profile to Rashford, including Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup, Victor Munoz of Osasuna, and Mallorca's Jan Virgili. With Lewandowski now more likely to stay, this route is more likely.
Marcus Rashford during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona v Rayo Vallecano at the Camp Nou.
Marcus Rashford is enjoying his time on loan at Barcelona. (Image: David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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The Catalan club's success in landing defender Alessandro Bastoni and a 'world-class' centre-forward could also play a role, but the situation remains able to change. Rashford's end to the season could yet have an impact on his future.
Rashford has scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions for the Spanish champions. He has made it clear he would like his future to remain at Barcelona.
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"Of course, what I want is to stay at Barca," he previously told Sport. "It's an end goal, but it's not the reason why I'm training hard and giving it my best.
"The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles."
Lewandowski, who turns 38 this summer, has been offered a deal worth half of his current fixed salary. The Bundesliga legend will still require assurances about his role, with a number of clubs interested in a free transfer.
Rashford is under contract at Old Trafford until 2028 and will face an awkward return if Barcelona do not activate their option. The 28-year-old's wages will also sit uncomfortably in Manchester, with his £325,000‑a‑week pay not matching within the club's current structure, which leans heavily on incentive‑based contracts with lower basic salaries.