Rashford faces humiliating return to Old Trafford as key deal-breaker for Barcelona emerges – The Athletic

Marcus Rashford’s red-hot start to life in Spain had made the prospect of Barcelona agreeing a permanent transfer with Manchester United appear a certain one – but a fresh report has cast doubt on the deal. Strong Start in Spain Rashford completed a season-long loan to Barcelona over the summer, having been made part of Ruben Amorim’s ‘bomb squad’ at Old Trafford. It realised a boyhood dream for the 28-year-old forward – one he was willing to take a 25% pay cut to help facilitate, with LaLiga’s champions agreeing to full coverage of his wages. A buy option was also included in the deal, with conflicting reports on whether it was £30 million or €30m (£26m). But there was little doubt about whether the price, in either currency, constituted a bargain deal for Barcelona after Rashford’s impressive displays this season. The England international has returned six goals and nine assists in 17 matches for his adopted side, impressing in a more supportive role alongside main man, Lamine Yamal. Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga12272-807′ UEFA Champions League542–372′ Total17692-1,179′ A two-month injury for Raphinha – his main competitor on the left wing – has helped the introduction at Camp Nou. But Rashford has seized the opportunity with both hands – and Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has revealed how happy he is with his new forward. No Talk of a Permanent Deal Despite this wave of positivity, The Athletic reveals there has been no suggestion that Barcelona will look to trigger the buy option in the deal with United, due to his age. “His loan terms include a buy option for Barcelona at the end of this season, valued at €30million (£26m; $35m). It is not a mammoth figure in today’s world, but it is still unclear whether the Catalans will want to trigger it. There has been no indication that the club will move forward with a permanent signing for a player who will be 29 next October.” The report states Rashford’s contract at Old Trafford – worth in excess of £300,000 a week – makes it difficult for “any other club to absorb similar figures,” with the deal running until 2028. In Rashford’s favour, The Athletic reveals Barcelona will look to “bolster” their attack this summer. Robert Lewandowski is “very likely” to leave Catalonia this summer with the 37-year-old striker’s mammoth contract set to expire in June. The Blaugrana will target a “new central striker” as a replacement – but this will be a costly investment, and more depth is needed throughout the frontline. “An attacker like Rashford will be needed, too — a versatile forward who can offer depth and backup to Raphinha and Yamal,” the report concludes. There are just no indications Barcelona will act on this need – yet. Featured image Alex Caparros via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Darragh Darragh is an editor for The Peoples Person who spent three years learning about the Cold War at the University of Sheffield slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about. Amad’s first touch should be officially recognised as the eighth wonder of the world.