Barcelona have started talks with Manchester United over Marcus Rashford. The England international is currently on loan until the end of the season, but Barcelona has a €30 million option to buy him at the end of the season.
According to reports, Barcelona decided last week that they intend to keep Rashford after his loan contract ends and have communicated with the player’s agent. The 28-year-old has been in fine form this season and TalkSport say talks with United have begun.
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Barcelona not planning to activate Rashford’s release clause
While news emerged last week that Barcelona intend to keep Rashford after his loan deal ends, it’s worth noting that the reports are not suggesting they want to activate his release clause. It’s telling that TalkSport explained that Barcelona held a meeting with United earlier in January and explained that they had two plans. The first is to negotiate a price with less than €30 million in terms of terms, or to go out on loan again next season.
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Manchester United’s attitude towards Rashford
As far as Manchester United is concerned, €30 million is a reasonable price for Rashford, who is currently contracted until 2028. They have no plans to lower their demands for Rashford at the moment, but one factor working against them is that he has shown no willingness to accept non-Barcelona offers, as happened last summer. The Catalan giants will offer Rashford a contract until 2029 if they sign him permanently.
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Rashford’s role at Barcelona
So far, Rashford has made 28 appearances, scoring 7 goals and assisting 11 times. However, with Raphinha out for two months, he was given more opportunities. With the Brazilian back to full fitness, the likely conclusion is that his playing time will be reduced unless he plays more centrally. If this does happen, Rashford may reconsider his plans in the summer.