Are Barcelona having second thoughts about signing Marcus Rashford permanently?

Barcelona’s once-clear intention to turn Marcus Rashford’s loan into a €30 million permanent transfer has clouded dramatically inside a matter of weeks. After early-spring assurances to Manchester United that the buy clause would be triggered, the Catalans have begun to survey the market for alternatives, signalling a potential U-turn that leaves the England forward’s long-term future in limbo.

A Marca report this week identified Espanyol’s Jan Virgili and Ez Abde, currently on loan at Real Betis, as wide-forward options being monitored by the recruitment team, while The Telegraph stresses that Rashford’s permanent switch “is not guaranteed” and that the club has “sounded out potential wide-forwards” in recent days.

President Joan Laporta offered the clearest public hint yet that the club is reassessing its commitment. Speaking to Jijantes, he praised the 27-year-old’s attitude—“We’re very happy with Rashford”—but immediately added a caveat: “It’s not clear whether we’ll pay the €30 million; we could extend his loan. We’re exploring other options.”

Those options may be influenced by Rashford’s end-of-season form. A knee complaint sidelined him through early April, and since returning he has gone six consecutive appearances without a goal or assist. Coaching staff remain appreciative of his work-rate and pressing, yet accept that a muted finale to the campaign could colour the final valuation.

Complicating matters further, Barcelona’s shortlist is expanding. The Portugal international—widely understood to be PSG’s former Porto winger—is believed to be on the club’s radar, while Atlético Madrid’s Argentine forward Julián Álvarez continues to be linked despite the capital club’s refusal to negotiate with their Catalan rivals.

With the €30 million decision deadline looming, Rashford faces a fortnight to reignite his on-field impact and convince a suddenly indecisive Barça hierarchy that he merits the permanent investment they once viewed as a formality.