La Liga giant Barcelona is looking to convert Marcus Rashford's loan move into a permanent transfer for £26 million. However, this offer is lower than Manchester United's £35 million valuation of the 27-year-old forward.
After falling out with Manchester United's management, Rashford was loaned to the La Liga powerhouse this season. The forward spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa before moving to the Camp Nou. He has made a solid start with the Spanish side, helping the team remain unbeaten in the new season.
Rashford has made 6 appearances and scored twice in last week's Champions League victory over Newcastle United, netting his first goals for Barcelona. The loan agreement between Manchester United and Barcelona does not include a recall clause, meaning the parent club cannot take him back early this season.
It is reported that Barcelona holds an option to buy the English forward next summer, but the Blaugrana (Barcelona's nickname) is seeking to negotiate a lower price. Rashford has adapted to life in Barcelona and is inclined to stay if his form continues – even though he angered head coach Hansi Flick by arriving late for a pre-training team meeting and was consequently benched in Sunday's match against Getafe.
However, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is unwilling to let him leave at a cut-price. He is aware that the better Rashford performs at Barcelona, the higher his market value will become.
If Rashford is selected for the England team managed by Thomas Tuchel and delivers an impressive performance at next year's World Cup, his value will rise even further. In fact, since moving to Barcelona, Rashford has already re-entered Tuchel's long-term plans.
Rashford earns a weekly salary of £300,000 at Manchester United and has a contract running until 2028. It is understood that he has made up his mind not to return to his boyhood club (United, where he came through the youth academy) and intends to start a new chapter in his career. Even if Barcelona and Manchester United fail to reach an agreement on the buyout fee next year, Rashford will still look for a new club other than Manchester United.
