Manchester United Reject, Marcus Rashford Joins Barcelona on Loan with Option to Buy

FC Barcelona has officially secured Marcus Rashford on a season-long loan from Manchester United, with the Spanish club covering his full wages. The deal includes an option to buy the 27-year-old England international next summer, reportedly valued between €30 million and €35 million.

Under the agreement, Rashford will remain at Barcelona until June 30, 2026. He has accepted a 15 percent salary reduction, and Barcelona will pay him approximately €10 million gross annually. The purchase clause, while not mandatory, gives the Spanish side a chance to make the move permanent.

Rashford had limited playing time under Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim and spent the latter part of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he scored four goals and provided six assists in 17 appearances. With other winger targets like Nico Williams and Luis Díaz unavailable, Barcelona shifted focus to Rashford. He was reportedly eager to join the club and play alongside Lamine Yamal.

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick endorsed the move, viewing Rashford’s pace and versatility as key assets in a front line that already includes Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Yamal.

However, despite the agreement, Barcelona may still encounter issues registering Rashford due to LaLiga's financial fair play regulations, which have delayed other signings in the past.

For Barcelona, Rashford brings depth and experience to a squad that reached the Champions League semi-finals and scored 102 league goals last season. For the player, it’s a fresh start and a chance to revive his career in a new environment, with an eye on making England’s 2026 World Cup squad.

Manchester United, on the other hand, benefit financially by offloading Rashford’s wages—reportedly saving the club around £15 million over the loan period—while also moving a player no longer in Amorim’s long-term plans.