Marcus Rashford rumour rubbished by Fabrizio Romano: Big implications for Man Utd and Barca

Robin Bairner

2 Apr 2026 07:57 BST
4 min read

Fabrizio Romano has rubbished a major rumour that has emerged surrounding the future of Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United.

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Rashford has enjoyed a strong renaissance with Barca after previously being frozen out at Old Trafford by former manager Ruben Amorim.

This has not, however, been sufficient for Barcelona to commit to paying Man Utd the €30 million purchase clause stipulated in his loan contract, sparking doubts over the Blaugrana’s intentions of doing so.

Current ETV

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Barcelona

Marcus Rashford

F, M (L)

Barcelona

ETV Range

€39.2M - €65.3M

One report in Spain even suggested that the clause expired on 31 March, and while Romano has dismissed this claim, the transfer insider did admit that there is no guarantee that Rashford will remain at Barcelona next season.

“The report saying the €30 million buy option from Manchester United to Barcelona expired yesterday, at the end of March, is not what my sources are saying,” he told his YouTube channel.

“Sources at both clubs suggest that the €30 million option is still valid until the end of the current season. So if Barcelona want to pay that amount tomorrow, they can still sign Marcus Rashford.”

Barcelona seeking to rework Marcus Rashford deal

The purchase clause remains active, but Barcelona do not wish to use it. Instead, they want to restructure the deal with Man Utd for the 28-year-old.

“Now it is up to Barcelona to decide. Behind the scenes, they already have an agreement with Rashford on personal terms, with the player, his camp, and his brother handling things. But Barcelona want to restructure the deal with Manchester United. Why? Because financially, it is going to be a big summer for Barca,” Romano added.

“They have several important targets. For example, at centre-back, there is Alessandro Bastoni. Barcelona want him, they are in contact with his camp, and discussions on salary and personal terms have already started. But club-to-club talks have not begun yet, and Inter are not communicating a price. They only make clear that €50 million will not be enough.

“Then there is the striker situation. We mentioned Robert Lewandowski. We know that for Barcelona, and for president Joan Laporta, Julian Alvarez remains a dream target. But Atletico Madrid absolutely do not want to sell him this summer. So at the moment, Atletico are not making it easy for anyone.

“That is why Barcelona would prefer to restructure the Rashford deal rather than pay the full €30 million. Maybe another loan, maybe a different formula. The message from Manchester United is simple: they want the money. They do not want another loan. So that is the gap between the two clubs at the moment.

“Rashford, meanwhile, is very happy at Barcelona. He is appreciated a lot by Hansi Flick, not just for goals and assists, but for his versatility and professionalism. He has never caused any problems when benched or subbed off, and that is very much appreciated by the coach. But again, the key point is the financial agreement.”

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