Manchester United acknowledge reduced Rashford fee as Barcelona deal fades

Manchester United have privately acknowledged they are unlikely to receive the full £26m option fee for Marcus Rashford, as hopes of a permanent move to Barcelona appear to be fading, according to Spanish publication Sport.

Rashford spent the 2024-25 season on loan at the Camp Nou after requesting a transfer away from Old Trafford last summer. He performed well in Spain, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists across his loan spell, and had publicly expressed his desire to remain at Barcelona on a permanent basis.

However, Barcelona’s decision to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £69m has cast serious doubt over whether the club still require Rashford, given both players operate in the same wide attacking positions. Initial talks between the two clubs broke down after Barcelona proposed a further loan arrangement rather than activating the permanent option, a stance that has reportedly generated frustration within United’s hierarchy.

With the deadline to trigger the purchase clause approaching, United are now said to be open to entering fresh negotiations at a reduced figure, having reassessed their position in light of the stalled discussions.

Further complicating Rashford’s prospects, Barcelona have also been linked with Bernardo Silva, who is expected to leave Manchester City as a free agent this summer. Reports suggest that completing deals for both Gordon and Silva would effectively end any realistic chance of Rashford returning to Catalonia.

What the United academy graduate’s situation means for his long-term future at Old Trafford also remains unresolved. Rashford has not featured for United since January, and with his loan spell now concluded, the club must decide whether to reintegrate him, sell him elsewhere, or continue negotiations with Barcelona at a lower price point.

No agreement between the two clubs is currently in place, and Barcelona are said to no longer consider signing Rashford a priority in this transfer window.