Barcelona has until June 15 to activate a €30 million ($34.8m) clause that would allow them to convert Marcus Rashford‘s loan from Manchester United into a permanent transfer, a source informed ESPN.
The future of Rashford has sparked internal discussions at Barça, with club officials contemplating whether to allocate a significant portion of this summer’s transfer budget towards the England international.
However, they have until the deadline to reach a decision, with a source confirming that the option to sign Rashford is still available, contrary to reports in Spain that suggested otherwise.
Additionally, it’s been noted that Barça can make the payment in three installments of €10 million ($11.6m), with the first due this year, followed by two more in 2027 and 2028.
Rashford’s representatives have been in touch with Barça during the international break to gauge the club’s intentions regarding the extension of his loan.
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has expressed a strong interest in keeping Rashford, who joined last summer at the behest of coach Hansi Flick, but hinted at a preference to either renegotiate the fee or extend the loan agreement.
Sources from Manchester United, however, have asserted that the Premier League club has no plans to negotiate a new arrangement with Barça, stating that Rashford will return to Old Trafford unless the LaLiga leaders trigger the clause.
There is confidence within United that they could find another buyer for Rashford if needed, potentially for an even higher transfer fee.
Barcelona’s decision will largely depend on forthcoming developments, particularly with Rashford expected to see increased playing time following Raphinha‘s recent five-week injury absence.
Flick’s squad returns to action in LaLiga on Saturday, facing Atlético Madrid, followed by the same opponent in two legs in the Champions League quarterfinals, and a league match against local rivals Espanyol in between.
Rashford has seen limited action, totaling just 30 minutes in Barcelona’s last four matches, but featured for England in their games against Japan and Uruguay this week and is the prime candidate to take Raphinha’s position on the left wing.
Earlier in the season, he filled in for the Brazilian, who was sidelined for a considerable period, and delivered impressive performances for the Blaugrana.
To date, Rashford has made 39 appearances for Barcelona, netting 10 goals and providing 13 assists.
This report incorporates information from ESPN’s Rob Dawson.