Manchester United move to sell Rashford after Barcelona decline €30m buy option
Manchester United (Man United)
Abdullateef Fowewe
Manchester United have told Barcelona they want to sell Marcus Rashford after the Catalan club chose not to trigger the €30m buy option in his loan agreement, a clause that expired on Monday.
Rashford is set to return to Manchester ahead of pre-season after his World Cup involvement, but United have informed Barcelona that they are unwilling to agree to another season-long loan.
While Barcelona remain open to taking the England forward on loan again, sources say United currently favour a permanent exit.
The forward’s contract contains a release clause of £40m that applies to all clubs except Liverpool and Manchester City.
Despite that figure, club officials are understood to be prepared to consider offers below the £40m tag given Rashford’s substantial wages and the uncertainty around his long-term role at Old Trafford.
Club insiders say Manchester United communicated their position to Barcelona immediately after the option lapsed, making it clear they want to conclude Rashford’s future this summer rather than extend another temporary move.
Rashford will join United’s pre-season training once he completes his World Cup commitments.
