Barcelona have paused Marcus Rashford's permanent move from Manchester United due to concerns, while Robert Lewandowski has been offered a new contract to stay at the Catalan club
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Marcus Rashford of England arrives at the stadium prior to the international friendly match between England and Uruguay at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford's future is uncertain(Image: Michael Regan - The FA, The FA via Getty Images)
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Marcus Rashford's permanent transfer from Manchester United to Barcelona seems to have been put on hold as the Catalan club shape their plans for the upcoming season. The La Liga outfit had pinpointed Rashford's experience as a valuable asset to the young talents they are targeting, but Barca may opt to retain Robert Lewandowski in that seasoned role.
The Poland star was anticipated to leave, but Spain's champions have now opened the door for him to stay, offering a new contract, albeit on reduced terms. The financial implications of a move for Rashford on Barca's other transfer dealings could yet prove too much for the club's hierarchy as they explore other options.
Despite Hansi Flick's desire to keep Rashford at Camp Nou, Barcelona have decided to hit pause on a deal where the player's wage demands have proven challenging, according to Sport. The loanee is willing to cut his salary by nearly half, by spreading payments over a long-term contract, but that could still strain the club's wage bill.
Rashford can make the move to Barcelona with a £26million fee agreed, but the overall cost of the package has raised doubts. There is a belief his permanent stay could affect their ability to sign a central defender and forward, without offloading players.
Barca are already reported to be in discussions over players of a comparable profile to Rashford, including Benfica's Andreas Schjelderup, Victor Munoz of Osasuna, and Mallorca's Jan Virgili. With Lewandowski now more likely to remain, this avenue appears more probable.
The Catalan club's success in securing defender Alessandro Bastoni and a 'world-class' centre-forward could also influence matters, but the situation remains fluid. Rashford's conclusion to the campaign could yet bear upon his future.
Rashford has netted 10 goals and contributed 13 assists in 39 appearances across all competitions for the Spanish champions. He has made it plain he would prefer his future to be at Barcelona.
"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.
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 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 uncomfortable return if Barcelona do not trigger their option. The 28-year-old's wages will also sit awkwardly in Manchester, with his £325,000-a-week pay not fitting within the club's current structure, which leans heavily on incentive-based contracts with lower basic salaries.
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