Talks between the two clubs are likely to create a standoff for much of the summer transfer window
Marcus Rashford is a Barcelona player who is still a Manchester United player, who will finally become a full Barcelona player in the summer, but may in fact actually end up remaining a Manchester United player.
United loaned the England forward out to the Catalan club last summer in a move that was best for everyone, and the deal was that Barcelona would have the option of signing him after a year for an undisclosed fee, widely believed to be around £26m.
Until then, Barcelona pay his wages – a substantial sum around £315,000 a week – and he gives them an argument to sign him next summer through his performances on the pitch.
So far, so good. Rashford has impressed for Barcelona, scoring 10 goals and producing 13 assists in 34 games in all competitions so far. So an easy decision for Barcelona to retain his services come next summer then?
The only stumbling block is Barcelona’s issue with finances. The Catalans did not register Rashford and new goalkeeper signing Joan Garcia until the eve of their opening La Liga game this season, having run afoul of La Liga’s rules around spending and salary-to-revenue ratio.
The problem is certain to rear its head next summer, especially given that Barcelona may also find themselves needing to sign a centre-forward, depending on the outcome of talks with veteran Robert Lewandowski this spring.
Good performance by Marcus Rashford 👊 pic.twitter.com/RDNWSOQSUN
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) February 8, 2026
Barcelona are certainly likely to consider ways of re-negotiating the fee for Rashford. But according to reports, United will dismiss any such suggestions. Another option for the Catalans is to propose another loan move, although United are also likely to reject this. It is certainly something that might lead to a standoff for much of the summer transfer window.
Matters are complicated further by the fact that Rashford has made it clear he is only interested in playing for Barcelona. Given that United consider him surplus to requirements, it hands the Catalans considerable leverage.
Rashford has a contract at United until 2028 and the club will be eager to get his enormous wages off their books, while also securing a small transfer fee. Bring on the summer.
