Barcelona have a decision to make over buying Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford at the end of this season.
The La Liga winners took the forward from Manchester United on loan with an option to buy in July 2025.
Manchester United let him spend the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa. Unai Emery’s side wanted to retain Rashford, but he was keen on joining Barcelona.
Last season, he managed 11 goals and nine assists for the Red Devils and Aston Villa, and four goals and six assist were with the Villans.
Rashford has scored 10 goals and contributed 13 assists from 38 matches for Hansi Flick’s side. Below are his stats per game with Barca [first] and both Manchester United and Aston Villa last season.
- Expected Goals [per season]: 5.84 – 4.77
- Expected Assists [per season]: 3.78 – 3.45
- Big chances created [per season]: 5 – 8
- Crosses: 1 – 0.7
- Successful dribbles: 0.9 – 0.7
- Ground duels won: 2-0 -1.8
- Aerial duels won: 0-2 – 0-2
These stats indicate Rashford’s overall performances have improved since moving to the Camp Nou.
Marcus Rashford taking pay cut key
Last month, Sport Witness relayed news of Marcus Rashford’s agent meeting Barca sporting director Deco in Spain.
At the weekend, Cadena Ser interviewed Deco during Barca’s election, won by president Joan Laporta.
When the Barcelona sporting director was asked about Rashford, he said: “We know we have an option. [The purchase option will be exercised] depending on fair play, the club’s priorities, and the player’s performance.”
Wednesday’s edition of Mundo Deportivo has a report titled: ‘Rashford will have to work hard for his transfer’.
The newspaper state: ‘Barca has practically secured the signing of Marcus Rashford (28 years old), to the point of holding a non-obligatory purchase option for €30m, payable to United in three instalments of €10m.’
The Blaugrana have also agreed a three-year contract with the England international. All that’s pending is for them to activate the clause.
Rashford would prefer this to happen quickly while the Camp Nou side are in no rush. He starred for Barcelona during Raphinha’s absence due to an injury.
With Raphinha already back in action, Rashford has to prove his worth ‘either as a game-changer off the bench or as a starter to give the Brazilian a rest’.
He hasn’t done that in recent weeks as the Manchester United man has failed to score or assist since the end of January.
Mundo state: ‘The key with Rashford is his salary, which isn’t low, and the impact of the transfer on the club’s financial fair play, which wouldn’t be insignificant. If he has a breakout season, signing him will be easy. If he struggles, his chances will decrease.’
Barca using local newspaper to add pressure
The Catalan club have had issues managing their wage bill to register new players in recent years. They eventually sorted that out after making adjustments, but it’s to be the same issue this summer.
Marcus Rashford has shown willingness to take a pay cut. It now seems like Barcelona want him to further lower his salary.
Flick’s side may be using Mundo Deportivo to try and put pressure on the player, taking advantage of his recent dip in form. They want to use their Manchester United clause, but, as ever, cut the corners on cost.
🇳🇱 Mika Godts | Manchester United contact for Ajax star
➡️ Want to know situation ahead of attempt
⭐️ Multiple top clubs keen, #MUFC move to get ahead
📈 20-years-of-age, left winger is on the up
⚽️ 14 goals + 11 assists this seasonhttps://t.co/8PiZl0IhFR— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) March 17, 2026
