Just in: UCL giants president confirms plan to sign ‘impeccable’ Man Utd star: “We will…”

Barcelona chief Juan Laporta expressed his desire to buy Marcus Rashford from Manchester United at the end of the season.The 28-year-old was omitted from the Red Devils’ plans during Ruben Amorim’s tumultuous reign, which prompted a loan switch to Aston Villa in January 2025, followed by a transfer to the Catalan giants last summer.DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL STRETTY NEWS APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAYThe English striker joined the Blaugrana on loan with an option to buy for €30 million (circa £26m), so his fate has yet to be decided.Joan Laporta wants Marcus Rashford to stay at BarcelonaAlthough he’s not a regular starter, Rashford has been delivering superb displays for Barcelona this season, filling in admirably on either side when Lamine Yamal or Raphinha are unavailable. Rashford’s Stats in 25/26 Appearances Minutes Goals Assists LaLiga 23 1,330 4 8 Copa del Rey 4 249′ 1 1 Champions League 9 484′ 5 4 Spanish Super Cup 2 32′ 0 0 Total 38 2,095′ 10 13 Barca’s sporting director Deco is said to be hellbent on keeping Rashford at Camp Nou. The Portuguese legend has reportedly been convinced by the player’s ‘impeccable’ displays.However, there had been speculations over the player’s future ahead of the club’s internal elections and the impact they’ll have on the Man Utd loanee.Nevertheless, Laporta was re-elected on Sunday, and he began his new term by confirming the club’s intention to buy the Manchester native.“Marcus is performing very well with assists and goals,” said the 63-year-old in his interview with RAC1 (via Rich Fay). “We will try, in Barca’s interest, to ensure that Marcus can continue.” Barcelona president Joan Laporta to RAC1: “Marcus is performing very well with assists and goals. “We will try, in Barca’s interest, to ensure that Marcus can continue.” #mufc pic.twitter.com/oHZuMwpJ6I — Rich Fay (@RichFay) March 17, 2026Man United won’t grant Barcelona a Rashford discountBarcelona’s desire to keep Rashford shouldn’t come as a surprise. After all, they have the opportunity to buy a versatile attacker with massive international experience under the belt, and has already proved himself under Hansi Flick.Moreover, the England international’s cost renders him an absolute bargain, as the Catalans are unlikely to find a similar profile in this price range.And yet, the LaLiga leaders are said to be seeking a discount, which probably explains why Laport chose the word ‘try’.Nevertheless, Man Utd are reportedly uninterested in negotiating new Rashford terms with Blaugrana. If the Spanish club opts against exercising the €30m option, the Red Devils are confident they can collect this figure (or even a higher one) by selling him to another suitor.