Barcelona failed to meet the 15 June deadline to trigger the £26 million (€30 million / $34.8 million) clause to make Marcus Rashford's loan move from Manchester United permanent [1, 2]. As of the deadline, no official communication has been made by Barcelona to United regarding activating the clause [1, 2].
The Catalan club recently signed Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon for about €70 million (£69.3 million), fueling doubt within the club about spending another €30 million on Rashford given Gordon and other attacking targets [1, 2]. Rashford scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists last season, helping Barcelona win La Liga and the Spanish Supercopa [2]. Despite his success, there is a growing consensus at the club against the costly permanent deal [2].
Manchester United remain firm on the transfer fee and are unwilling to renegotiate the price [1, 2]. Barcelona remains open to exploring a lower fee or a second loan, but United are not currently willing to reduce their demands [2]. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has the final say on exercising the option, with the deadline now passed without a decision [2].
Rashford’s contract with Manchester United runs until 2028 and is one of the club’s most lucrative, complicating transfer negotiations [1]. If Barcelona does not reach an agreement, Rashford would return to Manchester United for training after a break following England's World Cup campaign, expected in early August [1].
There is speculation Barcelona may still pursue Rashford on a different agreement if the original clause is not activated, though nothing official has emerged [1]. Rashford expressed a desire to remain, saying, "If I were a magician I would stay at Barça" [2]. Manchester United assistant Michael Carrick added, "Whoever's here, I want to work with, and help them improve" [1].
