(Credit: Imago)

James Murray

Wed 11 March 2026 18:00, UK

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Manchester United could demand Barcelona pay an additional fee to spread the cost of Marcus Rashford’s deal over multiple years. 

That is according to former Manchester City financial adviser Stefan Borson, who exclusively told Football Insider the payment could be in the region of £1.5million.

Rashford joined Barcelona on loan from Man United last summer, with the Catalan side holding the option to buy him for around €30m (£26m) at the end of the campaign. 

The Athletic reported on 28 February Barcelona are making progress towards signing the England international permanently, but they want to pay the fee in three instalments over three years. 

Man United have made significant wage savings on Rashford, with the Spanish giants paying his £325,000-a-week salary throughout the campaign. 

Why Man United could offer ‘special price’ for Marcus Rashford

Barcelona are close to signing Rashford permanently after he’s impressed during his loan spell with Hansi Flick’s side. 

The 28-year-old has registered 10 goals and 13 assists in 37 appearances this season.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson discussed how Man United could structure a deal for Rashford with Barcelona.

“The only thing you would question is whether they would give effectively a special price for a one-off payment,” said Borson. 

“He’s only €30m, but that is dependent on you paying all of it in one go, just because it’s not that much money. Either way, Manchester United can finance the receivable from Barcelona in the way that many teams have done in the past. 

“If you go in the back of Barcelona’s accounts, you’ll see that numerous transfers have been financed in that way, in that the club that’s receiving the money has gone to a financial provider, have received the money upfront, and for that they effectively take a discount to the amount that comes through.” 

How Man United could negotiate Rashford deal

Borson revealed the conversations Man United could have around receiving the Rashford money upfront.

“It’s very common in the game, and it makes little difference, except for one little fact, which is that they effectively would have to pay let’s say 10 per cent off to a finance provider and therefore they receive net 10 per cent less, so they might get it quicker, but they pay a fee for it and that might or might not work for them,” said Borson. 

“And they may say to Barcelona, ‘Yes, we will allow you to pay over three years, but we effectively will want you to share in some of that finance cost. Therefore, you’ll have to pay another let’s say £1.5m and then everybody’s happy’.

“Look, it doesn’t sound like it’s something that’s going to get in the way of the deal.

“If they want to do the deal, they’ll do the deal, and they’ll deal with the instalment part of it later. It’s a very common discussion.”