(Credit: Imago)

Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

Fri 20 March 2026 10:00, UK

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Barcelona are hoping to agree terms over a new loan deal for Marcus Rashford instead of triggering his option to buy from Manchester United this summer.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a strong season at the Nou Camp and talks over his future are expected to accelerate, but a permanent deal might be difficult to do.

As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, recent talk about Barcelona’s financial situation will be used as a negotiating tactic.

With the Spanish giants are keen to keep Rashford at the club beyond the end of the season, they would prefer it to be another short-term deal to allow them to spend elsewhere.

Man United are making their own transfer plans, and do not expect Rashford to return, putting them in a tricky position to negotiate his future.

Barcelona to negotiate new Marcus Rashford deal

Football Insider revealed on 16 March that Barcelona are still in talks over Rashford despite facing difficulties over triggering their £26million option to buy.

The up-front payment structure of the deal does not suit the Spanish club, who would prefer to pay in installments, although they are keen to negotiate a new loan.

Rashford is believed to be happy at Barcelona with no intentions of returning to Old Trafford, placing them in a strong position to agree new terms.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “Yeah, it’ll be an interesting one. Ideally, Barcelona want to keep Marcus Rashford beyond the end of the season.

“This is just a negotiating tactic by Barcelona to see if they can possibly get Rashford on another loan, rather than paying that £26million option that they’ve got in the deal.

“Hansi Flick is more than happy to keep the England international as well.

“So it’s a bit of a negotiating tactic by Barca. They would prefer not to have to pay that £26 million fee this summer due to their ongoing financial issues.

“They would like another loan and then have the buy clause after that one. But yeah, I still imagine this deal will get done.”

What happens if Barcelona cannot agree Rashford loan?

Should Barcelona prove unable to agree terms, whether it is a new loan or changes to the payment structure, Rashford will be forced to return to Man United.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Rashford would be welcome back at Old Trafford, although a long-term return looks impossible.

There is a feeling that the England international could be the perfect fit for the left-wing role in Michael Carrick’s side which is currently occupied by Matheus Cunha.

Carrick has publicly admitted he would like to add a winger to his squad, if he was made the permanent manager, and the Barcelona star would fit the bill.

However, bridges have been burned between Rashford and the club and any return after his loan spell is likely to be fleeting while he eyes a move elsewhere.