Barcelona Believes Rashford Worth €70 Million; Player Willing to Take Significant Pay Cut for Transfer
Marcus Rashford's loan spell has emerged as a successful signing for Barcelona this summer. The Blaugrana completed the deal thanks to the player's strong desire to join and his complicated situation at Manchester United, but a subsequent permanent move will face more challenges. Sporting director Deco has made it clear that decisions will be made at the end of the season regarding Rashford, as well as Robert Lewandowski and Andreas Christensen, whose contracts are set to expire—with the latter two more likely to leave.
The English forward's situation is unique, and his transfer will require careful financial management. Barcelona is aware that United will not lower the €35 million release clause, a price deemed reasonable given his performances—players of the same caliber now command twice that value, with the initial low figure stemming from United's eagerness to offload him after his rift with manager Rúben Amorim.
The key lies in negotiating a new contract. Rashford's Premier League top salary at United (with the club spending nearly €40 million) under his contract until 2028 is currently unaffordable for Barcelona. Although the player took a pay cut this season, he will receive more offers in the summer, and the final decision will depend on his personal wishes—for now, he tends to stay.
Rashford's team has sent positive signals to Barcelona, willing to extend the contract until 2030 and reach an agreement by significantly reducing his annual salary. In the long run, the player would not only secure higher total earnings but, more importantly, gain stability in his career.
The English attacker has repeatedly expressed his happiness at Barcelona, and the club recognizes his contributions: 5 goals and 7 assists so far this season, making him the most used attacking player amid a forward injury crisis. While his role remains to be seen once all players return, Hansi Flick highly values his unique worth on the flanks.
Barcelona's management views Rashford as a strategic decision for next summer. Limited salary space means signing him could impact the pursuit of a top center-forward, but the club also understands that acquiring such an asset at this price leaves significant room for future moves in the English or Saudi markets. Although both parties see little chance of a one-year loan extension, they are steadily advancing a permanent transfer plan. For now, the scales at Camp Nou are tipping toward "deal done."
