Barcelona's Nou Camp debt crisis threatens to derail £26m Rashford deal

Barcelona’s worsening financial position has cast serious doubt over their ability to sign Marcus Rashford permanently from Manchester United this summer, with the Catalan club’s Nou Camp renovation running over budget and the club reportedly running short of funds.

Following a season-long loan, Barcelona hold an option to buy the 28-year-old outright for around £26m, but must exercise it by 15 June. The club is understood to be pushing to either negotiate the fee down or extend the loan for a further season — an outcome Manchester United are firmly opposed to, with the club intent on a clean break from the forward.

The financial strain stems in part from the ongoing Nou Camp redevelopment. A £1.25bn loan from Goldman Sachs has proven insufficient to complete the project, and Barcelona plan to request an increased credit limit at either an Extraordinary General Assembly in July or at a scheduled meeting before next season begins. The stadium returned to partial use in November, but capacity remains capped at just under 63,000, with the VIP rings and third tier still unfinished. A roof — the final stage — could push completion to next summer, likely requiring another temporary move, though a dispute with Barcelona City Council has complicated plans to return to the Olympic Stadium at Montjuïc.

With Barcelona stalling, other clubs have entered the picture. Bayern Munich are reported to be willing to meet United’s asking price, but not Rashford’s current wages. According to Marca, Rashford has no interest in joining Vincent Kompany’s side and has not responded to approaches from Bayern or other interested parties. Unless Barcelona can reach an agreement with United, however, his options may narrow considerably.

Rashford himself is currently focused on international duty, with England’s final pre-tournament friendly against Costa Rica on Wednesday ahead of the World Cup.