SouthernWorldwide.com – Barcelona is reportedly preparing to re-engage in discussions with Manchester United regarding a permanent transfer for Marcus Rashford, having already reached an agreement on personal terms with the English forward.
New Barcelona manager Hansi Flick reportedly views Rashford as a crucial component of his offensive strategy. However, Manchester United remains steadfast in their valuation of the player at €30 million (£26 million).
The Catalan giants are said to be intensifying their efforts to secure Rashford on a permanent basis, following a successful loan spell in Spain. According to reports from talkSPORT, Barcelona is planning to hold fresh transfer talks with Manchester United before the 2026 World Cup.
During his loan spell, the England international impressed by scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in 49 appearances. This performance has reportedly convinced Hansi Flick that Rashford should be an integral part of the club’s long-term attacking plans.
Barcelona has reportedly agreed personal terms with Rashford, who is understood to be willing to accept a revised contract structure and a reduced overall salary to facilitate the move.
Given Barcelona’s financial constraints, negotiations with Manchester United are expected to center on the transfer fee. Manchester United, however, has shown no inclination to lower their demands.
The Premier League club is insistent that Barcelona activate the €30 million (£26 million) purchase option that was included in the original loan agreement. They are reportedly unwilling to sanction another temporary deal for the player.
Manchester United has made it clear that they are seeking a permanent departure for Rashford this summer. This move aligns with their broader squad rebuild plans, which include reducing their wage bill.
Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, is said to have explored alternative deal structures, such as another loan with a conditional obligation to buy. However, Manchester United has reportedly resisted these proposals.
Rashford’s wage increase, which reportedly occurred after Manchester United secured qualification for the Champions League, has added further pressure on the club to complete a sale.
Despite considering other attacking targets, Barcelona reportedly still considers Rashford their priority signing. Manager Hansi Flick is also said to be fully committed to bringing the England forward back to Camp Nou.
Read more : Disneyland Stays Open Amid Shrinking Evacuation Zone
Barcelona believes that Rashford’s expressed desire to remain in Spain strengthens their negotiating position. The player reportedly has no interest in returning to Old Trafford and has discouraged interest from other clubs, which limits Manchester United’s options in the transfer market.
This stance has encouraged Barcelona to continue exploring flexible payment structures. These could include deferred installments or an obligation-to-buy arrangement to be settled in 2027.
Nevertheless, Barcelona acknowledges that paying the full €30 million fee may ultimately prove unavoidable.
The club has identified alternative targets, but these options are expected to be significantly more expensive. Players such as Atlético Madrid’s Julián Álvarez and Chelsea forward João Pedro have been monitored, but their respective clubs are reportedly unwilling to negotiate lower fees.
Barcelona is anticipated to continue their discussions with Manchester United in an effort to finalize Rashford’s future before the pre-season training period commences.
The player himself is seeking clarity regarding his situation, especially after being included in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the upcoming World Cup.
Manchester United, meanwhile, appears determined to avoid another loan agreement and will continue to push for a permanent transfer of the player.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The tournament will be co-hosted across three countries, with the final match concluding on July 19 at the New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
All 104 matches of the tournament will be broadcast live across FOX (70 matches) and FS1 (34 matches). Every game will also be available for live streaming and on-demand viewing within both the FOX One and FOX Sports applications. A record 40 matches, representing more than one-third of the tournament’s schedule, will be aired in prime time across FOX (21 matches) and FS1 (19 matches).
The opening match on June 11, featuring Mexico and South Africa, will commence at 3 p.m. ET. This game, along with the USA’s opening match against Paraguay on June 12 at 9 p.m. ET, will be streamed for free on Tubi.
