Mansion Sports – Barcelona have reportedly adopted a cautious stance regarding the long-term future of Marcus Rashford amid speculation of a deadlock with Manchester United over transfer negotiations.

The English forward has adapted swiftly to life at Camp Nou, contributing two goals and two assists in his last three appearances.

At 27, Rashford appears to have rediscovered his best form, earning widespread praise from the Catalan press and supporters alike.

Barcelona Hold Off on Making Rashford’s Move Permanent

According to a report from Sky Sports, despite Rashford’s impressive start, Barcelona are in no rush to trigger the option to make his stay permanent.

Rumors of a breakdown with Manchester United over transfer fees have been dismissed, as the current loan deal already includes a purchase clause valued at £26.2 million (€30m/$35m).

For now, the club prefers to assess Rashford’s overall contribution both on and off the pitch across the entire season before making any long-term commitment.

Lewandowski’s Future a Key Factor

The situation is further complicated by uncertainty surrounding Robert Lewandowski’s future. The Polish striker recently turned 37, and his contract expires at the end of the current campaign.

Barcelona must soon decide whether to extend his stay or move in a new direction. Rashford’s versatility—capable of operating as both a winger and a central striker—positions him as a potential successor should Lewandowski depart.

However, such a decision is expected to be taken as part of a broader long-term squad planning strategy.

Financial Constraints Remain Barcelona’s Biggest Obstacle

Barcelona’s greatest challenge in securing Rashford permanently lies in their financial situation. The forward currently ranks among the highest earners in La Liga, and the club is covering his full salary during the loan spell.

While the £26.2 million transfer fee appears reasonable, the long-term financial commitment raises serious concerns for the club’s balance sheet.

In recent years, Barcelona have been forced to adopt complex financial maneuvers simply to register new players. With La Liga’s strict spending controls, acquiring Rashford outright would require careful planning and potentially sacrifices in other areas of the squad.

Rashford Maintains Focus and Consistency

Amid the ongoing speculation, Rashford has remained focused on delivering strong performances on the pitch.

Speaking last week, he expressed his desire to play for Barcelona “for as long as possible.” His contributions underline that commitment: scoring twice against Newcastle in the Champions League and providing an assist in the emphatic win over Valencia in La Liga.

These displays have further silenced doubts, particularly in Manchester, where his future looks to be over despite still having three years left on his United contract.