Following a dazzling start to life in Spain, Barcelona are already looking at the possibility of signing Marcus Rashford permanently, but Manchester United’s asking price could complicate a move.
The England international opened his account in Catalan colours with a brace on English soil last week in the Champions League against Newcastle United.
The 27-year-old was banished from matchday squads following Ruben Amorim’s arrival due to reported poor performances in training. When it became clear he had no future at Manchester United, Marcus Rashford’s clear preference was a move to FC Barcelona.
The financial situation of the Spanish club, however, meant they were unable to complete a deal for Rashford in January.
Rashford instead joined Premier League Aston Villa on a six-month deal before finally completing his dream transfer to Barcelona in the summer on a season-long loan move.
Confusion looms over buy-option clause
When Rashford made the move to Spain during the summer transfer window, reports at the time claimed Barcelona had included a £26 million buy-option in the deal for the English winger.
A report from the Manchester Evening News, however, claims that while Catalan giants are looking to do a deal worth in the region of £25 million, United are seeking a fee closer to the £40 million mark for Rashford. This would suggest that there was no buy-option agreed upon in the initial loan agreement for the United Academy graduate.
Leading up to the January 2025 transfer window, United communicated a desired fee of £40 million to suitors. However, there was an expectation that Rashford’s hefty wages would be a stumbling block in any potential move.
When Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan in January, United were able to include a £40m buy-option in the deal, which was subsequently not triggered after Unai Emery’s side failed to secure Champions League football following a 2-0 defeat on the final day of the season to United at Old Trafford.
A report from Simon Stone in May claimed Rashford believed United would sell to anyone who made an offer of £40 million. Still, as per widespread reports at the time, the Old Trafford outfit lowered their valuation of Rashford by agreeing to give Barcelona the option to sign Rashford for £26 million next summer.
The report from MEN, which insinuates there is no buy-option, is therefore confusing. However, if true, this could allow for a bidding war next summer, which could provide United with a significant financial boost should Rashford continue to perform throughout the season.
Rashford delivers immediate response to being dropped
Following his brace against Newcastle in the Champions League on Thursday night, many were surprised to see Hansi Flick leave Rashford out of his starting XI against Getafe. It was quickly reported that this was due to Rashford having arrived late to a training session the morning of the game.
Rashford was brought on at the start of the second half and played a crucial role in Barcelona’s third goal, as he set up Dani Olmo, who scored Barcelona’s third and final goal of the night.
This isn’t the first time Rashford has responded positively to being dropped for disciplinary reasons. Back in December 2022, Rashford was left out of United’s starting XI for an away game against Wolverhampton Wanderers by Erik ten Hag for the same reason he was by Hansi Flick against Getafe.
Rashford then came on in the second half and scored the only goal of the game, and helped United to three points, which pushed Ten Hag’s side into the top four of the Premier League table.
Rashford will be hoping to continue his red-hot form throughout the season to ensure Barcelona make his loan move permanent. After their 1-2 at St James’ Park last week, Rashford said: “I want to stay as long as possible at Barcelona.”
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