Journalist: Barcelona Contacts Manchester United Over Renewed Rashford Loan for Another Season with €30 Million Reconfigured Payment Structure

April 2 – Noted journalist Ben Jacobs discussed several Manchester United topics on the United Stand.

On the future of Højlund and Rashford
The transfer of Rasmus Højlund to Napoli will go through; it's as simple as that.

As for Marcus Rashford, Barcelona's purchase option is valid and will remain so until the end of the season. Manchester United have received calls from Deco and Barcelona asking whether alternative structures could be explored, such as a renewed loan for another season, with the €30 million buy fee paid in a restructured way.

Barcelona's hierarchy are in no rush to decide on Rashford's future at the club, intending to push the decision to the last moment. The buy option, set at €30 million, expires in June.

Last summer, Barcelona reached a loan agreement with United that included a €30 million purchase option valid until June. Although some media reports on Wednesday suggested the option had already expired, sources close to both the player and Barcelona have confirmed that the buy clause actually has three months left to run.

Barcelona's strategy is to delay the decision as long as possible. If they ultimately decide to keep Rashford, they plan to renegotiate the transfer fee with United – who have the player under contract until 2028. Barcelona want a lower fee and to pay it in three installments. While United are not opposed to the player leaving, they have rejected Barcelona's proposal and aim to secure an immediate cash payment from any deal.

Rashford has repeatedly made it clear that he does not want to return to United and wishes to remain at Barcelona. The biggest obstacle to his stay is the €30 million buy option – an amount that has made Barcelona hesitant and is the fundamental reason they are delaying their decision until the deadline.

Joan Laporta and Hansi Flick have consistently stated their support for Rashford remaining in the squad. Although they admit they had higher expectations of him, they acknowledge that his current return – 10 goals and 13 assists – is already at a very high level. Even so, he faces a crucial test over the final five weeks to prove his worth. Protracted negotiations are expected to continue until the last moment.

Source: X