Key Takeaways:
- Manchester United’s hierarchy have maintained their stance on Marcus Rashford’s transfer fee despite Barcelona’s attempts to lower the price
- Rashford, currently on loan at Barcelona, has scored 10 goals and registered 13 assists in 34 appearances this season
- The Catalan club are reportedly hoping to leverage Rashford’s preference for Barcelona and United’s desire to reduce a £315,000-per-week wage bill in potential summer negotiations
Transfer Fee Remains Unchanged Despite Barcelona Pressure
Manchester United’s leadership have shown no inclination to reduce the valuation of Marcus Rashford, according to a report by The Sun. Persistent speculation in the Spanish press has suggested that Barcelona are seeking to negotiate a lower purchase price for the on-loan forward, who joined the Catalan club on a one-year deal last summer. Nevertheless, United are determined to uphold the originally agreed sum and have no plans to yield in the ongoing talks.
🚨 Manchester United have no intention of lowering their £26M asking price for Marcus Rashford, who is on loan at Barcelona.
Barça are struggling financially and may not be able to afford the £26M buy option in Rashford's deal.
(Source: @MailSport) pic.twitter.com/5SVqEdQuLs
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) February 18, 2026
Contract Terms and Rashford’s Performance at Camp Nou
Rashford arrived at Barcelona on a loan agreement, which includes a buyout clause set at 30 million euros. While this figure appears excessive to Barcelona’s executive team, who aim to revisit discussions over the fee when the summer transfer window opens, Manchester United are standing by their assessment. The English international has made a notable impact since his move, accumulating 10 goals and 13 assists across 34 matches. Despite these contributions, Barcelona remain reluctant to activate the pre-agreed purchase option at its current valuation.
| Player | Loan Club | 2025/26 Appearances | Goals | Assists | Buyout Clause | Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marcus Rashford | Barcelona | 34 | 10 | 13 | 30 million euros (non-mandatory) | £315,000 per week |
Barcelona’s Negotiation Strategies
The La Liga giants are reportedly looking to capitalise on several strategic factors. According to the reports, Barcelona are counting on Rashford’s determination to remain at Camp Nou, with the expectation that the player will commit to not joining any club other than Barca. Furthermore, the Catalan side are aware of Manchester United’s interest in reducing their wage commitments, particularly with Rashford’s salary currently standing at £315,000 a week. Barcelona are not prepared to inherit these substantial wages outright and also hope that Rashford might be open to another pay cut, similar to the concession he made the previous summer.
