Barcelona's intentions regarding Marcus Rashford's permanent transfer remain unclear, as conflicting reports emerge from Spanish media. According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona plans to sign Rashford permanently, agreeing a three-year contract on a fixed wage and arranging to pay the £26 million (€30 million) transfer fee in three €10 million installments. The same outlet reports that Barcelona is in no rush to complete the deal and will evaluate Rashford's performance until the end of the season. However, SPORT contradicts this, stating that Barcelona has decided not to sign Rashford permanently, with the decision described as 'practically final'. SPORT adds that manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco agree the overall cost of signing Rashford permanently is 'too high'. The £26 million transfer option in Rashford's loan contract is also disputed: Cadena SER reports that the option expired at the end of March, while multiple major media sources maintain that Barcelona still holds an exclusive £26 million (€30 million) permanent transfer option. This contradiction directly affects Rashford's future and Manchester United's transfer plans, as readers need to know whether Barcelona is committed to signing him or not.
Rashford's performance at Barcelona has been mixed this season. Major media reports indicate he has scored 12 goals and provided 13 assists in 44 appearances, though another source claims 10 goals and 13 assists in 38 appearances, possibly due to different cut-off dates or competition inclusion. Regardless, Rashford has fallen out of favor in Barcelona's starting eleven, starting only two of the last eight La Liga fixtures, according to multiple reports. His most recent goal for Barcelona was on January 31 against Elche, as reported by major media. Barcelona fans have expressed skepticism about a permanent deal. One fan commented on social media: "You don't want to spend €30m on Rashford. You want to sign a left-footed centre-back, a centre-forward and a full-back. How much would you invest in those three?" Another fan said: "Rashford's salary, even if reduced from what he earned in Manchester, will still be one of the highest. Plus, we have to invest €30m in the transfer, and so far he's only shown inconsistency." A third fan added: "He started very well, but his performance has dropped. If he return..." Despite these doubts, Flick has publicly supported the player, stating in a press conference: "I'm very happy with Marcus."
I'm very happy with Marcus.
Manchester United's stance on Rashford's future adds another layer of complexity. Rashford is under contract at Manchester United until 2028, according to major media reports. However, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reluctant to have Rashford back at the club, and Manchester United currently has no intention of reintegrating him into the squad, even if Michael Carrick remains head coach, multiple sources report. This leaves Rashford in a precarious position: if Barcelona does not sign him permanently, he may need to find another club, but United's asking price if the option has expired remains unknown. The uncertainty over Barcelona's decision and the status of the transfer option will likely influence United's transfer plans for the summer.
In broader club news, Joan Laporta secured re-election as Barcelona president for a further five-year period, according to major media reports. This could affect the club's transfer strategy, including the Rashford decision. Meanwhile, at Manchester United, Harry Maguire was charged by the Football Association following his red card at Bournemouth, as reported by major media. The outcome of that charge is still pending. Additionally, Manchester United will travel to Dublin on April 6 for a four-night training camp, according to multiple reports. These developments, while separate from the Rashford saga, provide context for both clubs' current priorities. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Rashford remains at Barcelona, returns to Manchester, or moves elsewhere, with his performances in the remaining games likely to influence the final decision.