Barcelona make decision on Marcus Rashford’s future amid talk of stand-off with Man Utd over transfer fee

According to Sky Sports, despite his strong start, Barcelona are not rushing into talks about making Rashford’s stay permanent. Reports of a standoff with Manchester United over transfer fees have been dismissed, as the current loan deal includes an agreed option to buy for £26.2m (€30m/$35m). For now, it’s about watching Rashford’s impact across the full season, both on and off the pitch, before pulling the trigger on a long-term commitment.

The looming question of Robert Lewandowski’s future only complicates matters further. The Polish hitman turned 37 last month and is out of contract at the end of the season. Barcelona must decide whether to extend his deal or move in a new direction. Rashford’s versatility may be the deciding factor. His ability to play wide or lead the line as a No. 9 could tempt Barca to see him as Lewandowski’s eventual replacement. But that decision is likely to come in tandem with wider squad planning.

Barcelona’s well-documented financial struggles mean Rashford’s salary is a major hurdle. The forward is currently one of the highest earners in LaLiga, with Barca covering his full wages during the loan. While the £26.2m fee looks like a bargain on paper, maintaining those wages in the long run will test the club’s books.

Recent years have seen the Catalan giants pull every financial lever available just to register new signings. With LaLiga’s strict spending caps in play, committing to Rashford permanently would require careful planning – and potentially tough sacrifices elsewhere in the squad.

For now, Rashford isn’t letting the speculation distract him. Speaking last week, he made his intentions clear, insisting that he remains open to playing for the Catalans for "as many seasons as possible". His words match his actions. In Europe, he delivered two crucial goals against Newcastle in the Champions League, while in La Liga, he turned provider with a slick assist in the demolition of Valencia. His form is rapidly silencing doubters back in Manchester, where his future appears all but over despite still having three years left on his United contract.