Rashford to Barcelona transfer on the rocks after astonishing claim over Man Utd deal

Suraj Radia

• 1 Apr 2026 12:01 CDT
• 4 min read

News

The prospect of Marcus Rashford permanently joining Barcelona this summer has taken a bizarre twist after reports from Spain surrounding the deal for the on-loan Manchester United star.

Rashford joined Barcelona last summer on loan and he has impressed during his time at the club, prompting the Catalan side to attempt to extend his stay beyond this season.

Barca were understood to have a buy option worth €30 million but they have been negotiating with United to try and lower the fee – something which the Premier League giants have refused to budge on, with a belief that the price was already on the low side.

However, a new report from Spanish outlet Cadena Ser claims that the option to permanently sign Rashford on that deal expired in March, meaning any deal would now be subject to brand new negotiations for a potentially different fee.

It is alleged that Barca had to notify United by March over whether they would take up their option but, with the deadline having passed, United now have the option to ‘redefine’ a deal based on their own new parameters.

However, Barca believe the situation benefits them as they are counting on Rashford’s desire to remain with the club to drive down the price, although it is now suggested that a deal is ‘closer to a no than a yes’.

Barcelona having doubts over ‘complicated’ Rashford transfer

Barca had previously spoken of their joy at the Rashford deal and it appeared a foregone conclusion that they would take up their option and sign the 28-year-old permanently.

But the new development has led to Barca opening their stance and the deal is claimed to ‘not be a priority for now’ due to the ‘doubts and uncertainties’ of the transfer.

Rashford’s performances until the end of the season will be ‘key’ to Barca’s final decision and it is also suggested that ‘it is not entirely clear that the player wants to stay’.

Barca had been hoping to take Rashford on loan for another season but ‘this option does not appeal to United at all’ and the deal is now considered ‘very complicated’.

United are banking on the sale of Rashford for their transfer plans and they are not planning to reintegrate the England international back to their squad, indicating that a resolution should be reached even if it takes further negotiation.

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