Barcelona are believed to be considering capitalising on the interest in Manchester United star Marcus Rashford by buying him only to immediately sell him to another club.
After months on the sidelines at boyhood club Manchester United, Rashford secured a dream move to Barcelona, joining the Spanish giants on loan for the 2025/26 season.
Included in Rashford's loan deal, which involved Barcelona paying 100% of his £315,000 a week salary, was an option for Barcelona to make the move permanent for a reported fee of around £26million.
Given his impressive form since arriving to La Liga, it has been widely reported that both Barcelona and Rashford are eager to make their partnership permanent, with the Spanish club reportedly looking to secure the deal before the end of the season.
Advert
However, it's now been claimed that even if Barcelona do sign Rashford on a permanent contract, the club may plan to sell him just weeks later.
Since joining Barcelona, Rashford has featured in 34 matches across all competitions, scoring 10 goals while assisting another 13.
The Englishman has established himself as a reliable player for Barcelona, despite the club boasting a wealth of attacking talent including the likes of Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and wonderkid Lamine Yamal.
Of course, his form with the Spanish giants has attracted interest from several clubs across Europe, and according to Football365, Barcelona could capitalise on this in the summer.
The report claims that Barcelona have recently haled meetings with United in an attempt to renegotiate the buyout clause, with the fee and Rashford's salary believed to be too expensive for the Spanish side.
Barcelona remain eager to keep Rashford, but only on the right terms, and with United said to now value the English man at around £20m more than the buyout clause, they aren't willing to budge.
The La Liga champions have even raised questions about extending his loan, but United are the only willing to entertain transfer offers for the 28-year-old.
With that in mind, it is claimed that Barcelona are considering triggering the option to buy in their loan deal before capitalising on a transfer offer closer to to United's new valuation of the player.
The report adds that there are already some suitors who could be willing to offer as much as €60m (£52m) for Rashford, allowing Barcelona to achieve a quickly double their money if they were to buy and then sell the forward.
However, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, a deal between United and Barcelona that would see him stay at the Nou Camp remains a possibility.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he claimed: “The situation of Marcus Rashford remains open ahead of the summer.
“Barcelona are very happy with his performances and attitude under Hansi Flick and would like to keep him permanently.
“There is a buy option clause set at €30 million, but Barcelona would prefer to negotiate the fee with Manchester United.
“The financial aspect is crucial, not only the transfer fee but also Rashford’s salary structure in a long-term contract.
“Talks between the clubs and discussions regarding salary terms will determine whether a permanent deal can be reached.”
Topics: Marcus Rashford, Barcelona, Manchester United, La Liga, Premier League
Ben McCrum