Inside Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona: Messaging Yamal, a €30m buy option and why ‘he will have to run’

Barcelona have secured Marcus Rashford on a season-long loan deal, fulfilling manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco's priority for an attacking player in this transfer window. The 27-year-old English forward will compete for a place in Europe's highest-scoring front line, which featured Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha last season.

Rashford has achieved his dream move by agreeing to a significant pay cut, estimated between 15% and 25%, depending on bonuses. Manchester United are not contributing to his wages, with Barcelona paying his gross salary of approximately €14 million per year (before bonuses). The deal includes a €30 million buy option at the end of the season, but contrary to previous reports, does not carry a €5 million penalty fee if Barcelona choose not to exercise that option.

For Manchester United, the move results in substantial wage savings, as Rashford was earning around £300,000 per week even after a 25% reduction triggered by the club's failure to qualify for the Champions League. Rashford scored seven goals last season but fell out of favour after a poor performance on December 12th. He was subsequently excluded from the first-team setup by manager Ruben Amorim, even after returning from a loan spell, and lost his No. 10 shirt to new signing Matheus Cunha. The club viewed recouping any money as a bonus since Rashford was completely out of Amorim's plans.

During his Barcelona presentation, Rashford acknowledged Manchester United's importance in his life and career but noted the club is in "a period of change." He expressed no ill will, simply wishing them future success. Rashford has also agreed not to include any written guarantee in his contract regarding registration with La Liga, trusting Barcelona's assurance they will comply with salary rules by the transfer window's end – seen by the club as a sign of his strong desire to join.

The foundations for the transfer were laid six months prior. In January 2025, intermediaries informed Barcelona of Rashford's dream to join them, leading his representatives to link up with Barcelona-based agency AC Talent. A key meeting occurred in Lisbon on January 21st between agent Arturo Canales (AC Talent) and Barcelona's Deco to discuss a potential loan. Barcelona were already seeking a new winger, having failed to sign Nico Williams previously, and Flick wanted to bolster his attacking options despite his squad's goal output.