Fabrizio Romano rubbishes wild Marcus Rashford transfer claim | OneFootball

Fabrizio Romano has poured cold water on a transfer rumour involving Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford.

Wild claim

Rashford has enjoyed an upturn in form and fortunes since joining Barcelona from United last summer on a season-long loan deal.

He fell out of favour under now-sacked head coach Ruben Amorim, prompting the club to sanction a temporary exit. Rashford has plundered 10 goals and 11 assists for Barcelona in 39 appearances across all competitions. The Blaugrana retain the option to make his stay a permanent one for £26m.

Hansi Flick has repeatedly praised Rashford, while the forward has also made no secret of his desire to continue at Camp Nou. Yet, Barcelona have shown no clear indication as to whether or not they plan to keep him.

There have been suggestions that Barcelona want to negotiate a lower fee or sign him on another loan deal, with the intention of extending the payment period. United have made it clear they have no desire to modify their terms. The Red Devils are confident suitors will line up for Rashford if Barcelona don’t pull the trigger.

A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are keeping close tabs on the England international’s situation.

On Friday, Spanish news outlet Cadena SER claimed that Barcelona’s buy option for Rashford had expired at the end of March and is consequently no longer valid.

Cadena SER further said that Rashford’s continuity at Camp Nou is no longer a priority for Barcelona and it depends on how he performs in the final months of the season.

However, these suggestions have now been completely rubbished.

Transfer truth

Rich Fay of the Manchester World wrote on X, “Have been told there is NO truth in the suggestion Barcelona’s option to buy Marcus Rashford for €30m has expired. The agreement is still in place if Barca want to activate it.”

“United are confident they will be able to secure a permanent sale this summer, regardless.”

This has been corroborated by Romano.

The Italian journalist said on his YouTube channel, “The report saying the €30 million buy option from Manchester United to Barcelona expired yesterday, at the end of March, is not what my sources are saying. Sources at both clubs suggest that the €30 million option is still valid until the end of the current season. So if Barcelona want to pay that amount tomorrow, they can still sign Marcus Rashford.”

“Now it is up to Barcelona to decide. Behind the scenes, they already have an agreement with Rashford on personal terms, with the player, his camp, and his brother handling things. But Barcelona want to restructure the deal with Manchester United. Why? Because financially, it is going to be a big summer for Barca.”

“They have several important targets. For example, at centre-back, there is Alessandro Bastoni. Barcelona want him, they are in contact with his camp, and discussions on salary and personal terms have already started. But club-to-club talks have not begun yet, and Inter are not communicating a price. They only make clear that €50 million will not be enough.”

Romano continued, “Then there is the striker situation. We mentioned Lewandowski. We know that for Barcelona, and for president Joan Laporta, Julian Alvarez remains a dream target. But Atletico Madrid absolutely do not want to sell him this summer. So at the moment, Atletico are not making it easy for anyone.”

“That is why Barcelona would prefer to restructure the Rashford deal rather than pay the full €30 million. Maybe another loan, maybe a different formula. The message from Manchester United is simple: they want the money. They do not want another loan. So that is the gap between the two clubs at the moment.”

“Rashford, meanwhile, is very happy at Barcelona. He is appreciated a lot by Hansi Flick, not just for goals and assists, but for his versatility and professionalism.”

“He has never caused any problems when benched or subbed off, and that is very much appreciated by the coach. But again, the key point is the financial agreement.”

Meanwhile, United are next in action on 13 April when they welcome Leeds United to Old Trafford.

Featured image Alex Caparros via Getty Images

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