Marcus Rashford's future remains unresolved as Manchester United and Barcelona continue to haggle over the terms of a permanent transfer. The La Liga leaders are reportedly reluctant to activate the €30 million (£26m) buyout clause in his loan agreement and are instead pushing for a second temporary spell.
Loan move on the cards?
According to Sky Sports Germany's Florian Plettenberg, Barcelona are keen to keep Rashford on loan for another season. Talks with Manchester United are ongoing, but the Catalan club currently do not want to trigger the option to buy. Ideally, they would prefer a second loan; otherwise, they aim to negotiate the fee downwards. United, however, are refusing to budge on the £26m asking price.
Rashford has been in impressive form for Barcelona since joining on loan in January 2025, following an earlier temporary stint at Aston Villa. The 28-year-old has scored 13 goals this campaign, including a strike in a 2-0 win over Getafe that moved Barcelona 11 points clear at the top of La Liga. He also featured in their Champions League run, which ended in the quarter-finals against city rivals Atletico Madrid.
Contract situation
Rashford's Manchester United contract has 18 months remaining, making this summer the last realistic opportunity for the club to recoup a meaningful fee. If a second loan is completed, it would take him beyond his current deal, allowing him to leave as a free agent at the end of next season.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is reportedly eager to continue working with Rashford, as the pair edge closer to winning major honours together. The England international has 297 Premier League appearances for United, having risen through the club's academy, but fell out of favour under Ruben Amorim before his departure.
United are holding out for £26m, but Barcelona's reluctance to meet that figure could lead to another loan arrangement. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining Rashford's long-term destination.
