Barcelona Prepares Massive Salary Offer for Marcus Rashford as Manchester United's Buy-Out Clause Emerges
Barcelona have reportedly agreed to pay Marcus Rashford's complete Manchester United wages throughout his potential loan period, according to several English media sources.
Following his declaration seven months ago that he was "ready for a new challenge" and after spending nearly an entire summer publicly seeking a transfer to Catalonia, Rashford seems close to finally securing his Barcelona move. Reports surfaced on Saturday indicating that both clubs had reached a preliminary agreement for a season-long loan arrangement.
Throughout this period of intense transfer speculation, various Spanish media outlets suggested that Rashford was prepared to accept a substantial reduction in his considerable wages to facilitate his "dream transfer". Nevertheless, The Times joins multiple English publications in reporting that Barcelona have secured sufficient funding to cover the 27-year-old's complete salary package.
Rashford reportedly receives approximately £325,000 ($436,000) weekly, meaning this potential deal would eliminate roughly £17 million ($22.8 million) from Manchester United's payroll for the 2025–26 season. How Barcelona will manage this financial commitment remains uncertain, given the club continues to operate under La Liga's stringent financial constraints.
Nico Williams—whose rejection of Barcelona opened the door for this Rashford loan—ultimately declined the La Liga champions' offer after failing to receive adequate guarantees that his wages would comply with the club's spending restrictions. Last season witnessed Dani Olmo and Pau Victor being temporarily excluded from Barcelona's roster by La Liga due to financial violations. Spanish government intervention was required to reinstate both players.
Barcelona's loan arrangement for Rashford reportedly includes a purchase option, which Mundo Deportivo values at merely €30 million (£26 million, $34.9 million), significantly less than the £40 million ($53.7 million) Manchester United allegedly demanded for Rashford during the summer.
With medical examinations planned for the coming days, Rashford could be officially presented as a Barcelona player by Tuesday.