Rashford learns ‘final Barca decision’ amid U-turn on Man Utd clause | Football | Sport

Barcelona are now ready to activate their £26million clause to secure Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal from Manchester United, according to reports emerging from Spain. Rashford moved to the La Liga champions on loan last summer after losing his place under now-sacked Ruben Amorim.

He had spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, with his final United outing coming in December 2024. The 28-year-old has netted 10 goals and contributed 12 assists for Barcelona this campaign and his impressive displays in Spain have strengthened his prospects of earning a spot in England’s World Cup squad this summer.

Earlier this month, reports suggested the Catalan giants were reluctant to pay their previously agreed sum for a permanent deal and had put forward two alternatives to United. One proposal involved acquiring Rashford for a reduced fee – while the other was to extend his loan for another season, with a mandatory purchase clause for summer 2027.

Nevertheless, Spanish publication Marca has claimed that Rashford is keen to pledge his long-term future to Barcelona, who are now prepared to trigger the clause and complete a permanent £26m transfer.

Barcelona face losing striker Robert Lewandowski this summer when his own deal runs out. The 37-year-old has yet to pen an extension, meaning Hansi Flick’s side will be keen to reinforce his attacking options.

Rashford is believed to be eager to make his switch to Barcelona a permanent one, having adapted swiftly to life in Catalonia. “It’s been amazing. I feel welcome, I feel at home,” he revealed to the BBC towards the end of last year.

“I’ve just been enjoying every step of the way. Learning the language and stuff like that, learning the culture, it’s all enjoyable for me. It’s something I wanted to do for a long time and this is the perfect opportunity.”

Barcelona head coach Flick has, also, praised Rashford’s dedication to the club, particularly following the departure of teenage prospect Dro Fernandez, who submitted a transfer request to engineer a move to Paris Saint-Germain. After just five outings for the Catalan giants, the 18-year-old triggered his own £5.1m release clause to complete his transfer to the French capital.

“Marcus’ performances have been really good until now, so we have to manage it, but it’s [sporting director] Deco’s job do things for next season,” Flick said. “We have to wait.

“We have months to go. For me, of course with Marcus we have a player on the top level, but also with our situation, and what I appreciate a lot from him [is his desire to be here].

“This is what I want to say to young players from La Masia; We are Barca and we are one of the best teams in the world. We give them the opportunity to train with us, to grow, to train with the best players in the world, the support and the confidence.

“If you want to play with Barca, then it has to be 100 per cent with your whole heart. This is what I want to say to everyone; 100 per cent. These colours, you have to live for them. All the others, I don’t want.”