United set to lose star on £30m permanent deal | OneFootball

Barcelona eager to make loan move permanent after Man Utd star’s flying start

Barcelona convinced by early impact

Barcelona are planning to turn their loan deal for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford into a permanent transfer, according to The Express. The English international has made an instant impression since joining the Catalan club, quickly silencing any doubts surrounding his arrival.

Barcelona initially agreed a £25 million option to buy, with a further £5 million in add-ons, and United retaining a sell-on clause. The structure looks increasingly favourable for the Spanish giants, who have been “taken aback by Rashford’s swift impact” and now view him as a major coup.

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Sources cited in The Mirror suggest that Rashford’s brother and representative, Dwaine, was instrumental in convincing Barcelona that the player’s mentality and professionalism would fit their dressing room culture. One source close to the negotiations reportedly said, “They were unsure at first why Manchester United were willing to let him go, but Dwaine reassured them of his character and hunger.”

Form and influence on Barcelona’s attack

Rashford has scored three goals and provided five assists in 10 appearances, an output that makes him Barcelona’s most productive attacker so far this season. Though he began without a goal in his first three outings, his confidence and sharpness have since returned, particularly in Europe.

After a standout display against Newcastle in the Champions League, manager Hansi Flick praised the forward’s impact. “I am not surprised [by his goals],” Flick said. “I think he’s a fantastic player. His skills are unbelievable and his finishing is unbelievable.”

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Flick also credited Rashford’s versatility and work rate, noting that the player has “helped create chances and adapt quickly to our attacking patterns.” For Barcelona, that adaptability has been invaluable as they continue to restructure their forward line following the departures of key veterans.

Player focused on long-term stay

Rashford has made no secret of his desire to extend his stay at the Camp Nou. “I want to stay for as many seasons as possible. We will see,” he told TNT Sports. “I have to focus on trying to do my job and help the team in whichever way I can.”

His current form has also attracted interest from Paris Saint-Germain, but sources suggest the player’s focus remains on Barcelona, with negotiations likely to accelerate before the end of the season.

Financial outlook and United’s stance

While Barcelona’s finances remain tight, officials believe this deal represents both sporting and economic value. A £30 million package for a player of Rashford’s calibre would be considered a bargain in the current market. For Manchester United, who are rebalancing their wage structure and transfer priorities, a permanent deal could also be viewed as pragmatic business.

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For Manchester United fans, this story will stir mixed emotions. On one hand, it is satisfying to see a homegrown player thriving at one of Europe’s biggest clubs. On the other, it raises questions about why the club were willing to sanction his exit at all.

Supporters will remember Rashford as a symbol of United’s academy identity, a local star who once carried the team through turbulent seasons. Seeing him excel in Barcelona colours only reinforces the sense that the club’s recruitment and retention strategy still lacks coherence.

However, some fans will argue that a fresh environment has clearly reignited his form, something that had plateaued at Old Trafford. With United rebuilding under new leadership, letting him move on may prove to be the right call, especially if his transfer fee supports a more balanced squad rebuild.

From an emotional standpoint, many will hope that this move does not permanently close the door on a future return. But for now, Rashford’s success in Spain feels like the latest example of a United player flourishing after leaving a club still in transition.