Barcelona has made a purchase offer for Rashford! They aim to lower Manchester United’s price and reduce his wages, promising to strengthen the defense.

During this week’s Spanish Copa del Rey, La Liga powerhouse Barcelona secured a 2-0 victory, with Manchester United’s loanee Rashford scoring once more, raising his season goal count to seven. According to Spain’s AS, Rashford’s display has made it harder for the league leaders to resist buying him outright.

If it weren’t for the opposing goalkeeper’s repeated brilliant saves, Rashford would have achieved a hat-trick in the match against Guadalajara. After this game, Rashford has scored in all competitions this season—including La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey—making him the only player under Hans Flick to do so. In 23 matches, he has also contributed 11 assists.

The 28-year-old Rashford also earned praise from the British media for another gesture during the match. While taking a corner kick, because the opponent was a third-tier team and the stadium was small, holding only 6,000 spectators, the space for his run-up was limited. Rashford patiently helped a photographer sitting by the sideline move his trolley to create enough room, ensuring he could take the corner smoothly.

Barcelona has not yet decided whether to complete the €30 million permanent transfer with Manchester United, which is an option stipulated in the loan contract. However, AS pointed out: "The reality is that Rashford’s performances make it very difficult for Barcelona not to officially sign him at the end of the season."

In fact, Rashford was not Barcelona’s first choice forward in the summer transfer window. Sporting director Deco initially wanted Liverpool’s Luis Díaz or Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, but since neither joined, Rashford was able to come. Manchester United agreed to loan him out for free, and Rashford accepted a 15% wage cut to facilitate the deal.

Unexpectedly, Rashford, who struggled last season at Manchester United, has thrived after realizing his dream at Camp Nou. Flick is very pleased with his contributions to the team. Rashford himself knows that from now until the season’s end, his only goal is to increase his impact and convince Barcelona to pay for him.

Rashford and his new teammates currently top La Liga, with Barcelona leading their closest rivals Real Madrid by 4 points, making the championship highly likely. They also still have chances to win the Champions League and Copa del Rey titles.

Spanish media outlet "E-Notices" reported that Barcelona has presented Rashford and his agent brother with three main conditions for a permanent deal. The first condition requires Rashford to continue improving his style of play and take on more defensive responsibilities to align with coach Flick’s tactical demands.

The second condition is that Rashford must agree to further wage reductions and assist Barcelona in negotiating a lower transfer fee with Manchester United. They hope to reduce the fixed €30 million plus €500 variable permanent transfer fee to an agreement between €20 million and €25 million.

According to Spain’s "Fichajes" transfer website, another La Liga powerhouse, Atlético Madrid, has also shown interest in Rashford. This makes them the latest potential buyer linked to him after Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur.

Therefore, Barcelona hopes Rashford will take a stance like his former Manchester United teammate Antony, declaring he will only transfer to Barcelona. This would help pressure Manchester United to lower the price, as the Red Devils are reluctant to continue paying the high weekly wage of £325,000.

Manchester United wants to finalize Rashford’s sale quickly. As a youth academy product, all transfer income is pure profit that can be reinvested in the team. Another loaned forward, Højlund’s permanent transfer is almost certain after his goal and assist helped his team win 2-0 against AC Milan in the Italian Super Cup this week. If Napoli qualifies for the Champions League again this season, they are obliged to pay Manchester United €40 million to sign the "freight train."