Barcelona's Bold Pivot: Two Paths on Rashford Table as Financial Strain Bites
13 January 2026
The difficult finances are complicating the deal.
Two paths on the table for Rashford
Barcelona has begun talks with Manchester United to secure a permanent move for Marcus Rashford in the coming days, rather than waiting until the end of the season.
Rashford, currently on loan until the end of the season, is subject to a 30 million euro buyout.
According to TalkSPORT, Barcelona is looking for ways to lower the 30 million euro clause.
Rashford, the loaned player, wants to stay at Barcelona, and Barca president Joan Laporta has told the English striker of the club's desire to keep him.
Rashford's impact and Barca's finances
On the pitch, Rashford has scored seven goals and provided 11 assists in 27 matches, numbers that underline his importance to the project. With a contract at United through 2028 and a market value above the buyout, paying 30 million euros would be a logical move, but Barca's tight finances push the club to seek alternatives.
Barça sources told the radio that a meeting earlier this month laid out two scenarios: negotiate a transfer for a lower fee this summer, or extend the loan to 2026/27.
At Old Trafford, the stance is clear: United would prefer to sell the player next summer, and the buyout price is considered reasonable.
However Barca has a big advantage: Rashford isn't listening to other offers and insists on staying at Camp Nou.
The situation remains unresolved... there is a real possibility the English striker stays at Barcelona, though Barca is working to find a more financially viable option before triggering the buyout.
Punchline 1: Barca’s budget is so tight that even the euros come with a tiny shrink wrap—watch the price drop in real time!
Punchline 2: If Rashford signs, Barça finally gets a striker who can score and keep the budget honest—now that’s what I call precision budgeting.