Barcelona have made up their minds on Marcus Rashford. The La Liga giants intend to keep the England forward beyond his loan, moving to convert his stay into a permanent transfer. It’s a decision that signals both trust in his upside and a shrewd read of the market.

Here’s the key detail: Barcelona are expected to trigger the €30 million option to buy included in Rashford’s loan from Manchester United, as first reported in Spain and echoed by outlets such as SportBible, FOX Sports, and Football España. Rashford’s representatives have been informed, and talks over contract terms are due before the end of the season.

It’s a bold call made despite a recent dip in goals. But when you weigh price, output, age, and fit, the move looks like classic Barca pragmatism under Hansi Flick.

Barcelona’s decision: the €30m buy option explained

Rashford, 28, arrived at Camp Nou last summer on loan from Manchester United. The agreement runs until June 30, 2026 and, crucially, includes a club option to buy. Multiple outlets put that option at €30m. Football España also reports a €5m loan fee paid up front.

Spanish journalist Alfredo Martinez first stated Barcelona would make the transfer permanent. Stretty News added that Fabrizio Romano had verified Barca’s intention. In short: the decision is made; now it’s about getting the paperwork, salary, and timing right when the window opens.

“€30m for Rashford? If he keeps the Champions League form, that’s a steal.”

The numbers behind the call: fast start, mid-season dip

Rashford’s Barca story has had two clear chapters. The first was explosive. He hit the ground running with a brace against Newcastle United in the Champions League, then added 4 more goals and 6 assists over his next 11 appearances. At that point, it looked like the perfect reset after a difficult end to his United spell.

The second chapter was choppier. Since November 5, Rashford has managed just one goal. He was even taken off at half-time during a 2-0 win over Espanyol. That mid-season lull raised fair questions about consistency.

Zoom out, though, and the season picture is still strong. Football España tallies him at 28 games, 7 goals, 11 assists in all competitions so far. Stretty News breaks it down further: 2 goals and 8 assists in La Liga (18 matches), and a sharper 4 goals, 3 assists in six Champions League games. That European return, in particular, carries weight at Barca.

Why Rashford was on loan in the first place

Rashford’s exit from Old Trafford last year wasn’t about talent. It was about his place in the plans. Under then-manager Ruben Amorim, he was deemed surplus to requirements and left out of the squad early in the season, with the coach citing training levels. He moved to Aston Villa on loan for the second half of 2024/25 and delivered 17 appearances, 4 goals, 5 assists under Unai Emery — a solid audition that re-lit the spark.

That set the stage for Barcelona. Even after Amorim’s sacking, multiple reports suggest United still don’t plan around Rashford for 2026/27. SportBible cited The Sun in saying he is expected to leave Old Trafford permanently this summer regardless.

“United moved on. Barca need goals and creativity now. This suits everyone.”

Value check: €30m for a 28-year-old international

In today’s market, €30m for a forward with Rashford’s ceiling is rare. He’s an England international with a 30-goal season in 2022/23 on his Manchester United resume. He can play across the front line, carry the ball over distance, and create for teammates. At 28, he’s in his prime years.

Is there risk? Sure. The November-to-January output dip is real, and Barca’s standards are unforgiving. But if Hansi Flick taps into the version that shone on Champions League nights and in those early league matches, the risk-to-price ratio looks favorable. Even as a rotation starter across the front three, the fee makes sense.

Tactical fit under Hansi Flick

Flick wants speed, pressing, and direct running from his wide forwards. Rashford offers that. His best work often comes from the left, driving inside to shoot or sliding passes across the box. The assist numbers hint at improved decision-making in the final third, not just a shot-first mindset.

Barca have leaned on flexible front lines this season. Rashford’s ability to switch sides or lead the line in a pinch adds depth the squad has needed. In knockout matches, his threat in transition may be the edge that flips ties.

“Form dipped, yes. But the tactical fit is obvious — pace, width, and end product.”

How we got here: reports and confirmations

SportBible framed it plainly: Barcelona have reached their decision to sign Rashford permanently this summer. FOX Sports and Yardbarker echoed the line, noting the €30m option. Football España added context on the loan fee and season totals. Stretty News cited Alfredo Martinez as the first to report Barca’s intent, then pointed to Fabrizio Romano’s verification.

The timeline matches what we’ve seen on the pitch: early surge, a quieter run, and still enough trust internally to move now rather than wait for a bidding war or change of heart in Manchester.

What’s next: the talks and the trigger

Barca have told Rashford’s camp their plan. The next steps are simple: agree personal terms and activate the clause when the window opens. Because it’s an option to buy, the fee is set. That can speed up the process and avoid drawn-out haggling with United.

Expect the club to move before the season ends, as briefed in several reports. That helps planning for pre-season and gives Flick clarity on his forward group. For United, it brings a clean exit and funds to reallocate.

The bottom line

Barcelona are betting that the player who lit up Europe on his arrival will be the one they see more often than not. For €30m, it’s a calculated risk with a high upside. Rashford gets a fresh chapter in a system built for his strengths. Barca get pace, goals, and creativity without breaking the bank. United get closure.

If the performances match the intent, this could be one of the window’s smartest moves.