Barça Plays Hardball on Rashford: The 30 Million Question That Could Change the Deal

Rashford's Future in Barcelona

Spanish radio Cadena SER reported on Wednesday Barcelona's stance on the future of their English loan star Marcus Rashford, loaned from Manchester United until the end of the season.

According to the radio, Barcelona wants to keep Rashford in their plans, but they are not prepared to pay the 30 million euros required in the purchase option to seal the deal.

Club executives see the figure as high and misaligned with their current finances, so they aim to open negotiations with the Red Devils in the coming days to see how the situation develops.

Earlier reports had said Manchester United manager Michael Carrick is keen to bring Rashford back from Barça next season, while the English star would prefer to stay with the Blaugrana.

The former Portuguese coach of the Red Devils, Ruben Amorim, was the one who ruled out Rashford and approved his loan move, first to Aston Villa and then Barcelona.

Negotiations Ahead

As Barça weighs its options, the discussion could shift between a loan extension and a potential buyout adjustment, depending on how the club's finances evolve.

Meanwhile Rashford's camp reportedly favors remaining in Barcelona, hoping the club's financial situation allows for a more favorable deal, or at least a chance to prove himself in Spain.

Two light notes: If Barca can't pay the 30 million buyout, they might try to sweeten the deal with a tapas budget—because hunger is a great negotiator too.

Punchline 1: Barca's budget is so tight, 30 million buys you a handshake and a coffee—plus a very suspicious receipt.

Punchline 2: If Rashford signs, Barça will have pace on the wings and perhaps a new way to explain the books to fans: “trust us, it’s all part of the attack.”