Barcelona want to sign Marcus Rashford permanently, but there is a hurdle to the deal going ahead.
Manchester United agreed to allow Marcus Rashford to leave the club on loan in the summer, with the superstar joining Barcelona.
Rashford has enjoyed his loan at Barcelona to date, where he has scored six goals and provided five assists. It is a great start.
Last December, Rashford expressed that he had effectively given up at United, stating that he wanted to pursue a future elsewhere.
Now it appears he has found his new home – but he might have to help pay for it.
Rashford wages are a stumbling block
Barcelona are paying for Marcus Rashford’s entire wages this season, at a cost of £300,000 per week.
This was one reason Manchester United were happy in the short-term to sanction a loan deal.
The loan has a purchase agreement set at £26 million.
An update from Spanish newspaper El Confidential claims Barcelona are comfortable with the transfer fee, amid claims they could even try and fast-track a deal in January.
However, the prospect of Barcelona matching Rashford’s United salary is something the La Liga club are a little less happy about, on top of the transfer fee.
El Confidential report that Marcus Rashford may have to make a ‘gesture’ of good faith towards Barcelona to get the deal done, implying he must take a salary reduction.
Rashford could alternatively pay Barcelona a lump sum out of his own money to offset some of the expenditure on his salary.
There is a risk that United get dragged into this if Rashford refuses to make a sacrifice, and insists that United compensate him for any loss he has to take, as he technically remains under contract at United until 2028.
United’s high wages have hamstrung the club in the transfer market at times. And while this did not catch them out with Rashford next summer, it’s something that needs to be resolved.
It is unlikely to scupper a move though. Barcelona are very happy with Rashford, and Rashford is very happy at Barcelona.
One way or another it will get done, but the financial aspect could mean it is not quite as straightforward as all parties would like.
Rashford not the only academy talent leaving
Marcus Rashford is one of Manchester United’s top academy talents, and while the timing is right, it will be a sad day when he leaves the club permanently.
One player who could make a far-too-early exit is Kobbie Mainoo, who is anxious about his lack of game time.
Kobbie Mainoo wants to make the England squad at the World Cup, but he has not been involved for the Three Lions at all this season.
Mainoo is yet to start a Premier League game and needs to play. Napoli are one of the clubs leading the chase.
However, Mainoo is only 20-years-old, and Manchester United are unlikely to want to give up on him just yet.
Unless a major offer comes in, Mainoo may only leave on loan, with no purchase clause, unlike Marcus Rashford’s agreement.
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