Manchester United's sale of Rashford for 30 million euros is finalized! Laporta stays, Flick demands Barcelona to activate buyout clause.

Prior to the official announcement of Rashford's permanent transfer, there will always be rumors about him being sent back to Manchester United, because such stories generate buzz. Yet, following Laporta's successful continuation as president at Barcelona, the chances for this 28-year-old English forward to fulfill his dream of remaining at the Nou Camp have greatly risen.

Last month, Laporta resigned from his position according to Barcelona's club regulations to participate in the election last Sunday. He ultimately defeated his main competitor Victor Font, securing slightly over 68% of the votes. Barcelona officially announced that this 63-year-old powerhouse will formally begin his second consecutive term on July 1.

“This will make Barcelona unstoppable; no one can stop us,” Laporta said. “Exciting years are coming, which will be the best times of our lives. Barcelona is a fantastic club where members elect their president and board members. It is a unique, truly extraordinary club.”

This outcome is not only a positive sign for Barcelona's head coach Hansi Flick, who continues to lead the team, but may also benefit some first-team stars, including loaned forward Rashford. Rashford is on loan to Barcelona this season, with a buyout clause of 30 million euros (26 million pounds).

Previously, uncertainty around Barcelona's presidential position increased the risk that Rashford might not join the club permanently. However, Laporta's return could solidify this deal. Laporta is known to be a strong supporter of Rashford. Barcelona and Manchester United will accelerate negotiations in the coming months; the focus now may be on the amount and payment method, rather than whether the buyout will happen.

Laporta recently publicly discussed Rashford's future, stating it will be decided by sporting director Deco. With Laporta staying, Deco will also continue overseeing Barcelona's transfers. Laporta said: “We could try to extend the loan, depending on Deco's preference. There are also calculation methods, such as paying part of the buyout fee to Manchester United first and discussing the remainder later. He has delivered good results in goals and statistics, contributed positively to the team, and strongly supports the foundation's work.”

Recent rumors suggest Manchester United will not agree to lower Rashford's transfer fee. Sir Jim Ratcliffe's team even regrets that 30 million euros is too low, believing he could be sold for 50 million pounds. Rashford is approaching the milestone of 70 appearances for England and is almost certain to be included in Tuchel's squad for friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan.

Manchester United's 50 million pound valuation is naturally a tactic to raise the price. Ratcliffe knows that if they truly demand half a billion, Rashford would have to stay at United, and his weekly wage of 325,000 pounds would become a staggering burden.

Rashford has played 38 matches for Barcelona this season, scoring 10 goals and providing 13 assists. Although he has been quiet recently, as an England international, 30 million euros is considered cheap. The player himself is willing to reduce his salary to stay, stating clearly: “I really enjoy life in Barcelona. For anyone who loves football, Barcelona is one of the most important clubs in football history. For a player, playing for Barcelona is an honor.”

Rashford could win a treble in his first season with Barcelona. The club already won the Spanish Super Cup in January, currently leads the La Liga standings, and has a strong chance to eliminate Newcastle United at home in the Champions League quarter-finals.

He moved into an apartment in Barcelona's upscale residential area Esplugues de Llobregat, where legends like Pique and Iniesta have lived. His new neighbor is teammate Lamine Yamal. The comfortable environment allows Rashford to develop new hobbies outside training, such as playing paddle tennis and fishing, and enjoy delicious Mediterranean cuisine like Spanish ham and fresh seafood.

Rashford not only brought his dog “Saint” to his new home, but also reunited with an important person—his childhood girlfriend Lucia Loi. They were previously engaged but also separated twice. Now, Rashford calls Barcelona his perfect place.

Rashford also has a key supporter: Barcelona coach Hansi Flick. Although rumors suggest Deco offered other options for the left-wing position, including Chelsea's Pedro Neto, Flick told Deco that his top choice is Rashford, with no alternative. For Flick, the Manchester United star's characteristics perfectly match the playing style he wants to implement, and he is very compliant, accepting a substitute role at Barcelona without complaint.

Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stated: “Rashford and Barcelona have reached an agreement on a permanent transfer, but now it depends on Barcelona and Manchester United. Barcelona hopes to negotiate the 30 million euro buyout clause. Manchester United's stance is very clear: either 30 million euros or terminate the deal. So, United expects to receive the full 30 million euros from Rashford; the club anticipates earning 80 million euros from Hojlund and Rashford in their financial calculations.”