March 14, (THEWILL) — Barcelona’s plans to sign Marcus Rashford permanently have been complicated after club presidential candidate, Joan Laporta, publicly floated a loan extension rather than the outright purchase of the Manchester United winger.
Laporta, who vacated the presidency to contest re-election, outlined alternative arrangements in an interview with Jijantes. “We could extend the loan further; it depends on what Deco wants”, he said. “There are options: exercising part of the purchase option with United, and we’ll see about the rest. We’re studying the deal.” The remarks signal a notable departure from the expectation that Barcelona would pay the agreed £26 million buyout fee at the end of the current campaign.
The shift in stance coincides with a dip in Rashford’s output. After recording 15 goal contributions in his first 24 appearances for the club, the 28-year-old managed only five in 14 outings in 2026, with his last coming in Barcelona’s Copa del Rey victory over second-tier Albacete on February 3.
Financial strategy may also be at play. Barcelona are weighing a major outlay for Atletico Madrid forward, Julian Alvarez, and face further recruitment needs, including a replacement for Robert Lewandowski and defensive reinforcements. A further loan arrangement would ease their immediate spending obligations while keeping a permanent deal within reach.
Manchester United, however, stand to profit under any outcome. A completed sale would bring in £26 million, while a renewed loan would allow the club to raise Rashford’s valuation on the back of his time in Spain. A return to Old Trafford, reportedly favoured by interim manager, Michael Carrick, remains a third option, though the player has made no secret of his desire to remain in Catalonia.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
