CL powerhouse holds talks with resurgent United star, want to strike a deal “as soon as possible” – report

FC Barcelona have held fresh talks with Marcus Rashford’s representatives as hopes of striking a deal with Manchester United grow, according to the latest report from Spain. United stand firm Rashford, 28, has enjoyed a renaissance since joining the Blaugrana on a season-long loan, returning 10 goals and 13 assists for his adopted side. Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesStartsGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played LaLiga2113482-1,251′ UEFA Champions League8454–464′ Copa del Rey3311–223′ Supercopa20—-32′ Total342010132-1,970′ The English forward, whose improved form has sealed a return for the Three Lions ahead of the World Cup this summer, has previously described the move to Camp Nou as realising a “childhood dream”. Barcelona have the option to make his stay permanent through a €30 million (£26m) buy-option in the deal with United. INEOS are understood to regret this agreement, instead believing the academy graduate is now worth almost double that amount after returning to his best. However, the champions of LaLiga have communicated a wish to drive an even harder bargain as they contend with a precarious financial situation. A report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed a new price as low as £17.5m has been mooted. From United’s perspective, there is zero intention to compromise on a deal the Mancunian side already feel is a poor reflection of the loanee’s value. This has led to the possibility of an uncomfortable return to Old Trafford at the end of the season, despite neither party having any desire for this. Fresh hope in Catalonia A report from Spanish newspaper Sport (relayed by Sports Witness) reveals Barcelona sporting director Deco held positive talks with Rashford’s agent, Arturo Canales, yesterday. Canales was joined by Kostas Theoharides, who is described as having played a “significant role” in bringing the Englishman to Spain last summer. He is understood to have a “good relationship” with United’s hierarchy. Barcelona are hoping Theoharides can help to “soften” the Red Devils’ stance on Rashford’s departure as the Spanish giants have been convinced to “extend his stay as soon as possible”. Previous reports had indicated they may look at cheaper alternatives in the summer. Another key issue is Rashford‘s wage packet at Old Trafford, worth in excess of £300,000 a week. However, the player has communicated he is “willing to take a pay cut” to facilitate a permanent switch, offering further hope an agreement can be reached. If Barcelona paid £26m while agreeing a three-year deal with a weekly salary of £150,000, this would amount to a total expenditure of just under £50m. But if they were able to drive United down to a £17m bargain, but matched Rashford’s current wage over the same time-frame, it would cost in excess of £64m. The fact that the 28-year-old has actively expressed his willingness to make a financial compromise should help avoid United from having to do so, as it’s wage packets which actually set clubs back the most, not transfer fees. Final Thoughts The Red Devils are in the midst of planning a comprehensive revamp of their squad this summer, with a particular focus on the midfield, though the club’s primary targets will cost as much as £100m each. The prospect of being rid of Rashford’s exorbitant contract, while receiving £26m for an academy star – which constitutes ‘pure profit’ from a PSR perspective – will be a massive boost in this pursuit of fixing a stalling engine room. And it will fulfil a childhood “dream” for the player. A win-win all round. 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 Fox 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.