Barcelona to Trigger €30m Option on Marcus Rashford, Confirms Re-Elected President Laporta

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has ended weeks of speculation by publicly confirming that the club will move to make Marcus Rashford’s stay at Camp Nou permanent for the €30 million fee agreed when the forward arrived on loan last summer.

Speaking to RAC1 shortly after securing another term in Sunday’s elections, Laporta praised the 28-year-old’s impact under Hansi Flick and vowed to retain the Manchester United academy product.

“Marcus is performing very well with assists and goals,” Laporta said. “We will try, in Barça’s interest, to ensure that Marcus can continue.”

Rashford’s route to Catalonia began in January 2025 when, frozen out under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford, he secured a temporary switch to Aston Villa before Barcelona activated the season-long loan that included the purchase option. Although not an automatic starter, the England international has impressed deputies whenever Lamine Yamal or Raphinha have been unavailable, prompting sporting director Deco to champion an early conversion of the deal.

The valuation, set at roughly £26 million, is viewed inside the club as an exceptional bargain for a versatile attacker with extensive international experience. Yet Barça negotiators are still expected to test Manchester United’s resolve with a reduced offer, a tactic hinted at by Laporta’s careful phrasing of “we will try.”

United, for their part, remain relaxed about the situation. Sources close to the Premier League club insist they will not entertain a discount and are confident of recouping the €30 million—if not more—on the open market should Barcelona walk away.

For now, Rashford continues to prepare with Barcelona, who sit top of LaLiga, knowing that his long-term future could be settled swiftly once the Catalan giants formalise their intention to pay the release clause before the option window closes.

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