Barcelona insists they will not pay the €30 million required to make Marcus Rashford’s loan permanent.
The clause expires in five days on June 15. The England forward will formally return to Manchester United, though Barcelona remain open to fresh negotiations, including another loan deal. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the decision on Wednesday.
The Catalan club had until next Monday to trigger the option agreed with Manchester United last summer. Rashford contributed 14 goals and 14 assists during a successful loan spell, helping Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. Yet the club has chosen to prioritise other targets.
Barcelona completed a €70 million move for Anthony Gordon two weeks ago. The club now considers the Newcastle winger a better fit for Hansi Flick’s high-pressing system. Marca reports that Gordon’s defensive workrate impressed Flick, while Rashford’s pressing was identified as a weakness. Age also counted against Rashford, who turns 29 in October and is three and a half years older than Gordon.
The club’s primary focus has shifted to signing a new striker. Julián Álvarez remains Barcelona’s top target to eventually replace Robert Lewandowski. Any serious move for the Atletico Madrid forward would require a financial commitment, leaving little room for Rashford.
Door still ajar for loan return
Despite rejecting the purchase option, Barcelona have not completely closed the door on Rashford. Romano confirmed that the club is open to discussing new solutions, including another season-long loan agreement. Sporting director Deco is said to favour fresh negotiations that could involve a conditional obligation to buy at a later date or a lower transfer fee.
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Rashford has already removed all references to Barcelona from his social media profiles. However, the player would reportedly prefer to stay in Catalonia rather than return permanently to Manchester United. He is expected to postpone any major decision until after the World Cup.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are understood to prefer a permanent sale. With Rashford entering the final year of his contract and having rebuilt his reputation in Spain, United believe they can attract interest from other clubs willing to meet their valuation. Bayern Munich have been linked with a move worth £34.5 million.
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For now, Rashford’s future remains unresolved. The option is dead. The conversation is not.
