Rashford's €30 million transfer to Barcelona is confirmed! Manchester United insists on full payment, player agrees to salary cut for buyout

As reported by Spain's Diario Sport, Barcelona has given up trying to negotiate Rashford’s transfer fee with Manchester United and plans to pay the €30 million (£26.1 million) buyout amount to make his loan permanent.

The 28-year-old Rashford struggled at Manchester United over the past two seasons and clashed with previous manager Ruben Amorim. This summer, he was loaned to Barcelona, where he has performed impressively, scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists. He has also returned to the England national team and is expected to participate in the upcoming World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico, provided he stays injury-free.

Barcelona’s coach Hans Flick is very pleased with Rashford’s performance and attitude, despite some shortcomings like insufficient defensive effort. The €30 million buyout clause is considered a bargain. However, known for their frugality, Barcelona reportedly hoped to negotiate a lower price or extend the loan for another year before buying him outright.

However, Diario Sport reports that Manchester United has made it clear they will not reduce the price by a single euro. Coupled with Rashford’s willingness to take a pay cut, Barcelona now understands that €30 million is a fair and affordable amount and is expected to activate the transfer clause this summer. Of course, given the high attention on Rashford, United, and Barcelona, various rumors will continue until the deal is finalized.

The only scenario that might change the transfer fee is if Manchester United shows interest in any Barcelona player deemed surplus, allowing for a swap deal, though no such players currently exist. Another factor that could affect Barcelona’s buyout is a coaching change, but fortunately, Flick’s position seems secure, and he highly values Rashford and supports his signing.

Spanish media say Rashford will sign a three-year contract with Barcelona, earning less than he would have if he returned to Old Trafford. At Manchester United, Rashford’s weekly wage is £325,000, second only to Casemiro’s £350,000, making him the club’s second highest earner.

Rashford is fully committed to Barcelona; he has adapted well to life in Spain and quickly become a beloved and respected member of the team. Therefore, sacrificing some salary for his dream feels entirely worthwhile to the English star. When he was loaned to Barcelona, he already accepted about a 15% pay cut to facilitate the move.

Last week, reports suggested that if Carrick becomes permanent manager at Manchester United, he would want Rashford back next season. Carrick played alongside Rashford for three seasons and coached him afterward. However, Rashford has made it clear he has no intention of returning to Manchester.

Manchester United plans to rebuild their midfield this summer, and the transfer fee from Rashford’s sale will be pure profit that helps strengthen the club’s finances. Additionally, the club is hopeful to receive £38 million from Napoli for the permanent transfer of Rasmus Højlund. With Casemiro and Sancho leaving, United’s wage bill will also be significantly reduced.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirmed that Barcelona has promised Rashford and his agent they will do everything possible to complete the transfer. "Barcelona’s intention is to buy Rashford," Romano told DAZN. "In recent weeks, they have informed Rashford and his agent of this, so Barcelona will do everything they can do."