Updated: 15 May 2026 17:47 BST |
4 min read
Manchester United and Barcelona are set to reopen discussions next week over the future of Marcus Rashford with a view to concluding a deal, according to The Independent.
Rashford joined Spanish giants Barcelona on a season-long loan last July and has gone on to help the club win their second successive La Liga title this season, scoring eight goals and recording seven assists.
The England international has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain at Spotify Camp Nou beyond 2025-26, with Hansi Flick’s side holding the option to make the move permanent for €30million (£26m).
However, The Athletic reported last month that Barcelona’s interest in triggering the clause has cooled, with the club preferring another loan arrangement which would involve Rashford taking a significant salary cut.
And now The Independent are reporting that Barcelona will reiterate that stance when they open fresh negotiations with United, who remain keen to offload Rashford on a permanent basis.
The Red Devils hierarchy are hoping to sell Rashford in order to raise vital funds for their planned midfield revamp this summer, according to The Independent, but are not ruling out the possibility of another loan deal with Barcelona.
Barcelona are not the only interested party, however, with The Independent claiming Bayern Munich are monitoring the situation closely, while Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta remains an admirer of the forward.
A separate report from The Times, however, claims that Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon is close to agreeing personal terms with Bayern, which would likely have a knock-on effect regarding their interest in Rashford.
Rashford will be hoping to finish the season strongly when Barcelona entertain Real Betis in La Liga on Sunday, before Flick’s men see out the campaign with an away trip to Valencia on Saturday, 23 May.
Analysis: Rashford wants Barcelona stay but is ‘no magician’
After helping Barcelona win La Liga with victory over Real Madrid in last weekend’s Clasico, Rashford was crystal clear when asked whether he wanted to remain at Barcelona.
Speaking to reporters at full time, the 28-year-old said: “I don’t know [if I will stay]. I am not a magician, but if I was, I would stay.
“We will see. I came here to win. I want to win as many things as I can. This is one more to add to this.
“This is a wonderful team, they’re going to win so much in the future; to be a part of that would be special.”
With Raphinha having struggled with injuries throughout the season, Rashford has more than played his part in helping Barcelona win La Liga – something he will always be able to cherish, even if his wish to join permanently does not come true.
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