Rashford warned over Barcelona move as ‘serious doubts’ emerge

Robin Bairner

17 Dec 2025 07:03 GMT
4 min read

Marcus Rashford, Barcelona, Man Utd, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Marcus Rashford has been told that Barcelona will only sign him permanently from Manchester United if he steps up one area of his play.

Article continues under the video

Rashford joined Barca at the end of the summer transfer window on loan from the Red Devils and has a €30 million buy clause in his contract.

In usual circumstances, it would be an easy option for the Catalan side to complete the deal, but with the club’s finances still in turmoil, they have to be particularly picky about the players they sign. As such, there are still doubts as to whether the deal will be completed.

Current ETV

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Barcelona

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€39.2M - €65.3M

These have been increased with a report from Spain via E-Noticies indicates two conditions have been placed on the Blaugrana completing a move for Rashford.

The first of these is well established: if the winger is to complete a permanent switch to La Liga’s leaders, he will have to reduce his salary. This is said to be a “major obstacle”.

‘Far from fulfilling tactical demand’

If the first of these demands is economic, the second is tactical and could be more complicated for Rashford to complete.

“Hansi Flick considers pressing without the ball as important as offensive performance within his model,” the report says. “In this area, the Englishman has not yet reached the level of footballers like Raphinha.

“It is true that Rashford has improved his defensive involvement as the games progress. He is increasingly executing high-pressure better and better, understanding the collective automatisms required. However, Flick believes that he is still far from fully fulfilling his tactical demands.”

Sporting director Deco still has “significant doubts” over the deal, the report adds.

Rashford’s form has cooled

Although Rashford posts impressive attacking numbers for the season, his impact has waned in recent times. Since delivering two assists against Celta Vigo on 9 November, he had just a couple of assists to his name before netting against Guadalajara in the Copa del Rey on Wednesday.

Barca appear to be keen to retain the attacker, but recent reports have hinted that they may seek another loan agreement with Man Utd.

Rashford, meanwhile, has made it clear that he wants to stay with the Blaugrana.

The FootballTransfers app

Check out FootballTransfers' new app for all of football's big storylines, transfer rumours and exclusive news in one convenient place directly on your mobile device.

The FootballTransfers app is available on Google Play and in the Apple App Store. Download here:

•Google Play

•App Store