FC Barcelona are still seriously considering Marcus Rashford, but the deal no longer looks as straightforward as it did a few weeks ago. The club hold a non-mandatory €30 million purchase option agreed with Manchester United, and that figure is still viewed internally as manageable rather than excessive. The real issue lies elsewhere: Rashford’s salary and how it would fit into a wage bill that remains under major pressure. Recent reporting says the buy clause is structured in three instalments of €10 million, which makes the fee itself even less intimidating on paper.
That is where the operation has clearly slowed down. Reports indicate that Barcelona had already done much of the groundwork around the player’s long-term framework, but the club now prefer not to rush and want to wait until the end of the season before taking a final step. In other words, the transfer is now being shaped far more by Financial Fair Play and wage-room concerns than by the transfer fee itself. Deco recently said that no final decision has been taken yet, and that the club still need to weigh fair-play limits, priorities, the player’s performances and the coach’s view.
That change in focus explains why the case has cooled. Earlier reporting suggested Barça were moving toward activating the option, with the €30 million seen as acceptable and the broader structure already advanced. More recent updates, however, describe a club that has become more cautious, is reviewing every detail and does not want to commit until it has a much clearer picture of the summer window.
The payment formula is also not the main obstacle. Multiple reports say the agreed option can be paid in instalments, which would reduce the immediate transfer burden. But even with that favourable setup, Barcelona still see the true cost of the operation in the player’s annual wages and the knock-on effect they would have on the rest of the market. One earlier report put Rashford’s wage level at around €15 million after an initial adjustment, which helps explain why the salary side continues to dominate the discussion.
Flick likes him, but the final test is still to come
From a sporting perspective, Rashford continues to generate positive internal support. His pace, versatility across the front line and ability to attack space fit well with the type of forward Hansi Flick tends to value. At the same time, Barça do not want to decide based only on flashes of form or the general appeal of the profile. Deco’s public comments make it clear that the coach’s assessment is still part of the final calculation.
That is why the closing stretch of the season will be so important. Barcelona want to see how Rashford finishes the campaign, what real impact he has in major matches and whether his level justifies an economic effort that goes far beyond the transfer itself. Recent reporting has also noted that he has gone six matches without a goal or assist and has been dealing with a knee issue, which only adds to the club’s caution.
Barça’s real problem is not at Old Trafford
The key point, then, is not really in negotiating with Manchester United. The biggest challenge is fitting the entire operation inside Barcelona’s financial limits. While the €30 million option is still widely seen as reasonable, Rashford’s wage package threatens to become a much heavier burden for a summer plan that also has to balance signings, renewals and registration margin.
That is where things stand today. Barcelona have not ruled out Marcus Rashford, but nor do they have the deal wrapped up. And the biggest problem preventing the transfer from becoming reality is not the exit price, but rather a salary package that still does not fit comfortably into Barça’s new financial puzzle.
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