Barcelona are facing a demand from Manchester United to pay the full £26 million release clause for forward Marcus Rashford, according to reports, after submitting a proposal for another loan deal.
Rashford joined the Spanish club on loan last summer with an option to buy. His performances this season have exceeded expectations, with ten goals and 13 assists in 38 appearances across all competitions, leading to a reassessment of his value.
Joan Laporta, Barcelona’s presidential hopeful, recently indicated the club was exploring “options” regarding Rashford’s future, suggesting a potential extension of the loan or a renegotiated purchase agreement. However, Manchester United are reportedly unwilling to entertain any “creative solutions.”
According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United have made their position clear: they want the agreed-upon £26 million (€30 million) buy option to be exercised, or Rashford will return to Old Trafford. “Utd say, ‘We don’t want creative solutions. We want €30m buy-option, otherwise the player can return here and we can eventually sell to other clubs’,” Romano stated.
The club believes Rashford’s improved form has increased his market value and they are confident they could secure a fee closer to £50 million from other interested parties should Barcelona refuse to meet the original terms. Manchester United are prepared to take Rashford back and sell him to the highest bidder.
Rashford’s recent form has dipped somewhat in 2026, with only five goal contributions in his last 14 appearances, following a strong start to his loan spell where he recorded 15 goal contributions in his first 24 games. This downturn in production may be influencing Barcelona’s attempts to renegotiate the deal.
Barcelona are also reportedly considering other attacking options, including Atlético Madrid forward Julián Alvarez, potentially impacting their willingness to meet Manchester United’s demands for Rashford.
As of March 8, 2026, Rashford, aged 28, has made 23 appearances for Barcelona, scoring four goals. He remains under contract with Manchester United.
Leave a Reply