Marcus Rashford (29, Barcelona) offered extraordinary terms to remain at FC Barcelona. After a wage cut, he even proposed extending the contract term.
Spain's Mundo Deportivo reported on the 17th (Korean time) that Marcus Rashford is willing to accept changes to the contract structure to stay at Barcelona.
According to the outlet, Barcelona is actively preparing the squad for the 2026-2027 season. In that process, the future of Rashford, who is on loan, also emerged as a key issue.
Coach Hansi Flick has already conveyed a positive stance on Rashford staying. The club's leadership is also satisfied with the player's performance. The problem, however, is expense.
Barcelona is prioritizing a proposal to Manchester United for a new loan agreement. But Manchester United has drawn a line against options other than a permanent transfer.
In particular, Manchester United's internal mood is said to be unfavorable about Rashford publicly expressing his desire to stay at Barcelona. The outlet said Michael Carrick has Rashford included in plans for next season, yet the player himself reportedly wants to remain at Barcelona.
Under the current contract, the option fee for a permanent transfer is 30 million euros (about 52.2 billion won). That clause expires in June. Manchester United's position is that transfer negotiations can proceed only if that amount is paid in full.
Aston Villa has also entered the race to sign Rashford. Coach Unai Emery already has experience coaching Rashford for half a season last year.
Rashford already agreed personal terms with Barcelona months ago. At that time he accepted a substantial wage cut to stay. It is reported he actually gave up about 40% of his previous salary.
Barcelona still feels the burden. Calculated on a three-year contract basis, the club judges that the total expense including the 30 million euro transfer fee and wages is excessively large.
Ultimately Rashford directly proposed a new plan. In exchange for Barcelona shouldering the full transfer fee, he offered to extend his contract from the original three years to five years. The calculation is to reduce the burden of wages and amortizing the transfer fee by lengthening the contract term.
Rashford reportedly indicated he could extend the contract without additional expense until the 2031-2032 season.
The outlet explained that Rashford prioritizes staying at Barcelona and believes he is proving sufficient value.
In fact, he has established himself as a key offensive asset this season with 14 goals and 12 assists. However, Barcelona has not yet conveyed a final decision to Rashford.
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