Barcelona set clear condition to retain Marcus Rashford even if they sign Anthony Gordon – report | OneFootball

Barcelona are not prepared to completely abandon the idea of keeping Marcus Rashford despite accelerating negotiations for Anthony Gordon, reports Mundo Deportivo.

While earlier reports suggested Gordon’s arrival could directly end Rashford’s continuity at the club, fresh information from Spain now paints a more complicated picture. 

It is said that Barcelona still value the Manchester United forward highly, but any possibility of extending his stay will depend entirely on financial conditions becoming much more favourable.

Barcelona value Rashford

For what it is worth, the main issue with Rashford is not sporting approval.

In fact, Hansi Flick and the coaching staff continue to appreciate Rashford’s tactical versatility and believe he can still play an important role within the squad.

Rashford’s future is uncertain. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Barcelona see the England international as far more than just a left winger, as they also value the fact that he can operate centrally as a false nine and even cover the right side when needed, potentially providing rotation for Lamine Yamal.

That flexibility and his connection with the dressing room are why the Blaugrana are refusing to fully close the door on the player despite their growing interest in Gordon.

However, fitting the operation financially remains extremely complicated.

What are the conditions?

One of the biggest concerns involves the contract structure proposed around Rashford’s continuity. 

According to reports, the player’s side explored the possibility of extending the previously agreed three-year contract by an additional two years in order to spread out amortisation costs and reduce the short-term financial impact.

Barceclona are exploring ways to retain Rashford. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

However, Barcelona are unconvinced by that formula.

The club’s sporting management are hesitant because by the time he will finish his contract, Rashford will be 33 and there are doubts about committing to such a long-term arrangement.

Because of that, Barcelona believe Rashford’s salary impact must become significantly lower if any agreement is to be reached.

Furthermore, Manchester United inserted a €30 million buy option into the original agreement, but that clause expires on June 30, and Barcelona are unwilling to activate it under the current conditions.

Instead, the Catalan club would only consider either a dramatically reduced fee or another temporary loan agreement for the upcoming season, although Manchester United are believed to be resisting both possibilities.