-
News
- 49 minutes ago
Man Utd summer transfer plans take major turn as Barcelona find bargain Rashford alternative
Suraj Radia
- 2 Apr 2026 17:34 BST
- 5 min read
News
Manchester United could be hit with a devastating blow to their transfer plans, with Barcelona positioning themselves to opt against signing Marcus Rashford permanently this summer.
Rashford has been on loan with the Catalan side this season and it was previously believed that Barca would take up their €30 million option to turn the move into a permanent deal.
Current ETV
Marcus Rashford
F, M (L)
Barcelona
Marcus Rashford
F, M (L)
Barcelona
ETV Range
€34.7M - €42.4M
However, reports emerged this week that Barca would have had to inform United of their intention to activate the clause by the end of March but this deadline was missed, effectively meaning they will have to negotiate a fee now instead of having an agreed option.
Barca are only willing to extend Rashford’s stay at the club if they can secure him for a lower fee or take the forward on another loan – both of which United are adamant they will not agree to.
United had been banking on Barcelona signing Rashford permanently, with the player having no future at Old Trafford, and the Premier League side were already accounting for the pure profit his sale would have on their books, as well as the salary saved through his departure.
But, according to ESPN, Barca have now started exploring other options to replace Rashford and could look for alternatives to keeping hold of the United star.
Man Utd fear Rashford return as Barca target cut-price La Liga star
Rashford is keen to remain with Barca and his time in Spain started brightly, however the 28-year-old has underwhelmed in recent months with just four goals in his last 25 matches across all competitions.
Fabrizio Romano rubbished the suggestion of the option expiring and insisted that Barca could still be able to take up their option to sign Rashford by June 15, but attention could now be turning to Abde Ezzalzouli, whom they have a buyback clause for.
Abde came through Barca’s academy and has impressed for Real Betis since joining them for €7.5m in 2023, with five goals and five assists in 20 La Liga games this season.
Barca have an option to buy Abde for a reported €20m and they also have an 50% sell-on clause, which would make the 24-year-old’s signing far more affordable than Rashford.
Much will depend on Rashford’s form to end the season and whether a compromise can be reached with United but the Red Devils may be forced to restructure their transfer plans unless they can find a new home for the England star, either with Barca or elsewhere.
Football transfer news headlines today
Arsenal Transfer News Today: Brazil star admits Gunners dream with Calafiori 'keen' on exit
Chelsea Transfer News Today: Delap replacement identified as €85m deal explodes into life
Man Utd Transfer News Today: Tonali shock as €30m problem emerges
Transfer Rumours: Chelsea reignite €80m Kounde pursuit after Calafiori decision
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:
