Barcelona’s expectation for Marcus Rashford in 2026 as Man United attach buy option to loan deal

Add as preferred source on Google

Manchester United are expected to announce the departure of Marcus Rashford imminently with a loan exit agreed.

Marcus Rashford is one of the five Manchester United players not invited to pre-season training this summer, and Ineos have been working behind the scenes to find a willing buyer.

All summer it has been clear that Rashford’s dream is to join Barcelona, and the 27-year-old made it his top priority to join the Spanish giants this summer.

Despite setting a £40m asking price, United have now agreed a loan deal for Rashford to join Barcelona in 2025/26. Transfer expert Graeme Bailey has exclusively revealed extra details of the move to United in Focus.

Barcelona expected to sign Marcus Rashford permanently in 2026

After being frozen out by Ruben Amorim, Rashford made it clear he wants to join Barcelona and talks have been ongoing throughout the window.

The Red Devils have now agreed a deal with Barcelona for Rashford to join on loan with an option to buy him permanently next summer.

Barcelona have agreed to pay the entirety of Rashford’s wages, with Bailey saying: “Barcelona have come back and made a new offer, it means United have no financial commitments to Rashford this season.”

He then explained that Barcelona are expected to trigger the buy option next season to sign Rashford permanently.

“The hope and expectation is that he makes the move permanent, and Barca have made it clear they want him on a permanent basis. Barring any major issues they will sign him permanently.”

Man United set to save £15m from Marcus Rashford loan

Ideally, Ineos wanted to sell Rashford and cash in on him this summer, but it seems they will have to wait until 2026 for a fee to arrive.

However, Barcelona agreeing to pay the entirety of Rashford’s wages is a major financial boost for United.

Rashford earns £300,000 per week on his United contract, equating to £15.6million over a full year. Having him off the books at Old Trafford will save Ineos from having to pay one of the club’s top earners.

READ MORE: Ineos backing for Ruben Amorim couldn’t be clearer after most brutal step yet with five wantaway players

As an academy graduate, the expected sale of Rashford next summer will also provide a major boost from a Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) perspective.

Ineos have been forced to work with a restricted budget this summer, but a Rashford sale this time next year will put the club in a strong position to spend.