Barcelona are pushing for a second season-long loan of Marcus Rashford and currently do not want to trigger the €30 million option to buy him, leaving the England forward’s future tied to ongoing talks with Manchester United.
Manchester United want a permanent sale and are tired of temporary fixes, people close to the negotiations say, while Sky Sports suggests a second loan will only work if Rashford accepts a significant pay cut on the roughly £325,000-per-week contract he still has with Old Trafford. Florian Plettenburg has reported that Barcelona ideally want another loan and, failing that, plan to reopen negotiations to drive the fee down.
Rashford himself has given Barcelona a reason to push: he scored in Saturday afternoon’s 2-0 win over Getafe and has produced 13 goals and 13 assists in 45 appearances for the club this season. Hansi Flick has approved Rashford staying in Spain, and the striker’s track record — 297 Premier League appearances before this loan — gives weight to Barcelona’s urgency to keep him in their squad.
Those numbers clash with the arithmetic behind the scenes. Barcelona’s loan agreement includes a €30 million buy option, but Diario SPORT has argued that fee is too high for a player who, next season, would likely be used as a luxury rotation piece. Newcastle United, by contrast, are reportedly ready to pay the full €30 million asking price, which reinforces Manchester United’s push for a clean sale rather than another temporary arrangement.
The crunch point is money and roster planning. Barcelona are trying to manage tight finances and La Liga financial rules while keeping forward options flexible; they have already been scouting lower-cost attackers such as Benfica’s Andreas Schjelderup and Ajax’s Mika Godts. That search signals a willingness to pivot if a long-term deal for Rashford proves unaffordable.
There is friction between the clubs’ positions and the player’s salary. Sky Sports’ reporting that Rashford would likely need to accept a pay cut underscores the gap Barcelona must close to make a second loan viable. Manchester United’s desire to sell, combined with Newcastle’s reported willingness to meet the €30 million figure, creates a narrow window for Barcelona to negotiate a deal that satisfies all three parties.
Outside voices underline Rashford’s appeal. Former player and pundit Dietmar Hamann said Bayern should consider signing him, praising his technique, shooting and versatility — comments that remind negotiators there are other suitors willing to pay a transfer fee rather than pursue a loan.
Florian Plettenburg’s updates frame the immediate picture: talks with Manchester United are ongoing, Barcelona prefer another loan and hope to avoid triggering the €30m option, and Hansi Flick has signed off on Rashford remaining in La Liga. The practical realities — wages, the buy option, and competing offers — are what will decide the outcome in the coming days.
The decisive unanswered question is simple: will Rashford accept a reduced salary so Barcelona can secure a second loan, or will Manchester United push through a permanent sale to the highest bidder? The answer will determine whether Rashford stays in Spain as Barcelona hoped, moves to another buyer prepared to pay €30 million, or forces a fresh tactical and financial rethink at both clubs.
