Marcus Rashford transfer update: Rashford 'wants Barcelona' and Manchester United open to lower fee, report says
Latest transfer update: Marcus Rashford is said to want to stay at Barcelona, prompting Manchester United to consider negotiating a reduced fee or a loan with the Blaugrana ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Marcus Rashford reportedly wants to remain at FC Barcelona, and his apparent refusal to consider other destinations has led Manchester United to become more open to negotiating a lower transfer fee or even a loan with the Blaugrana, according to a World Soccer Talk summary of reporting by Luis Miguel Sanz for Diario AS. The situation is said to be set for resolution after the 2026 World Cup.
Why it matters
If accurate, Rashford's preference to stay in Barcelona would shift leverage in transfer talks. United are described in the report as keen to offload his high wages and not planning to include him in their long-term sporting project, while Barcelona — who have salary constraints — would prefer a cheaper arrangement or loan. Any deal would affect Barcelona's attacking options and United's summer business and wage bill ahead of the 2026–27 season.
What the report says
According to the report cited by World Soccer Talk, Rashford relaunching his career under Hansi Flick has made him determined to remain at Barcelona. Multiple clubs have reportedly enquired about him, but the 28-year-old has allegedly told those interested he only wants to join Barcelona. That stance is said to have encouraged Manchester United to shift from demanding a high fee to being willing to negotiate a lower sum or consider a loan deal to remove his salary from their books.
Squad implications at Barcelona and Manchester United
The report suggests Barcelona's summer planning has several relevant strands: the club reportedly prioritises signing a striker, has completed the arrival of Anthony Gordon, and face ongoing decisions about forward roles. If Rashford were to join permanently, the article claims that could mean the departure of youngster Roony Bardghji. It also notes Rashford may not be guaranteed a regular starting role given competition from Raphinha, Gordon and emerging talents such as Lamine Yamal.
From United's perspective, the summary says the club do not intend to count on Rashford in their sporting project and are motivated to remove his 'very high' wages. That financial pressure is the core reason given for United's reported willingness to accept a lower fee or explore alternative arrangements.
Key points
What this story doesn't confirm
The account is based on reporting rather than club statements. There is no confirmed official announcement from Manchester United, FC Barcelona or Rashford's representatives in the provided source metadata. Details such as agreed wages, a concrete fee, whether a loan is formally on the table, or any contractual commitments are not confirmed in the available report and require verification.
What happens next
According to the report, the final outcome is expected after the 2026 World Cup, when Rashford will have another opportunity to influence talks with his performances for England. For now, the next steps to watch for are official statements from the clubs involved, any confirmations from Rashford's camp about wage negotiations, and whether Barcelona formalise alternative plans such as prioritising a striker or arranging a loan.