Marcus Rashford: Barcelona reach final decision on Man United transfer | OneFootball

FC Barcelona have reportedly reached a final decision on signing Marcus Rashford permanently at the end of the season — and there is a twist in the tale for the 28-year-old forward.

A Spanish Renaissance

Rashford has enjoyed a return to form since arriving in Catalonia on a season-long loan from Manchester United over the summer.

A public fallout with Ruben Amorim last December led to Rashford’s exile at Old Trafford, with a hastily-agreed loan to Aston Villa in January providing temporary relief until the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

There was no prospect of reconciliation upon Rashford’s return from Villa Park this summer, however, as he was designated a part of Amorim’s ‘bomb squad’ and made to train separately from the first team.

This led Rashford to seek out a “dream” move to Barcelona, albeit on loan, as the Spanish giant searched for a cost-effective option to bolster Hansi Flick’s forward line — but it has proven a masterstroke for both parties.

Across 24 appearances for his adopted side, the Englishman, who is firmly back in the fold for the Three Lions under Thomas Tuchel ahead of next year’s World Cup, has returned an impressive seven goals and 11 assists.

Marcus Rashford stats - 2025/26

A €30 million buy-option was included in the deal, which also sees Barcelona provide full coverage of Rashford’s wage packet at Old Trafford.

And while this had appeared a no-brainer for a proven goal-scorer with the versatility to play across the frontline, Fichajes now reveals Barcelona will allow Rashford to return to United at the end of the season in an explosive twist.

‘Bomb Squady’ Returns

The Spanish outlet states the Liga champions “will not exercise” the buy-option in Rashdord’s loan as it is “beyond their reach” financially this summer. 

“Marcus Rashford ‘s time at FC Barcelona has left a positive impression on the pitch. His speed, experience, and ability to decide matches have been valued internally, but not enough to justify a €30 million investment,” the report details.

Executives at Camp Nou  believe a permanent deal would “limit” other potential recruits and will instead seek another loan option in attack to facilitate this — with a different forward in Manchester heading their list of targets.

Fichajes reveals the Blaugrana will pursue Manchester City’s Savinho as an alternative, with the Brazilian’s lack of opportunities under Pep Guardiola opening the possibility of an exit from the Etihad.

It constitutes a dramatic change in fortunes for Rashford, however, who would have felt secure about the chances of remaining in Catalonia beyond the summer after his impressive form this season.

The prospect of returning to the Theatre of Dreams, under a head coach who actively detests his presence there, represents an undoubted nightmare for the 28-year-old forward.

Featured image Paul Miller via Getty Images

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