Marcus Rashford problem emerges as Barcelona transfer could be blocked | Football | Sport
Marcus Rashford‘s prospects of securing a permanent move to Barcelona could be hindered by the club’s financial constraints. The exiled Manchester United forward is currently flourishing with the Catalan outfit on a season-long loan deal, having fallen from grace under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford. So far this season, the 28-year-old has notched six goals and provided nine assists across 17 outings.
With Barcelona possessing an option to secure his services permanently next summer for a fee approaching £30million, it appears a straightforward decision should his current trajectory continue. Nevertheless, La Liga pundit Terry Gibson has emphasised how the club’s present monetary situation could thwart any potential agreement.
Gibson told the Manchester Evening News: “I think he’s benefited from the fact that Raphinha’s been injured and Yamal’s been injured, [Robert] Lewandowski’s been injured, Ferran Torres has been injured.
“So out of those four or five players, he’s the only one that’s been fit for every game this season and he’s benefited from that. He’s played, he’s been able to get up to speed, get some confidence, and he looks like a Barcelona player now.
“I don’t see any reason why they wouldn’t sign him. You can’t just rely on three. I think it’s a push for him to be the first choice with those three. I think it’s a given.
“Lewandowski up front, Yamal and Raphinha. I think after what they did last season, it’s obvious that they will be the front three, but it doesn’t always work out that all three are available.
“It doesn’t work out because they’re playing 60 games a season. And I think it’s pretty certain, I think, that Barcelona will pay the fee to make that permanent.”
Nevertheless, Gibson acknowledged that securing the necessary funds for Barcelona to finalise Rashford’s permanent switch may prove challenging.
He elaborated: “Well, it’s not as easy to find £30m for Barcelona as it is normally, but back in the new stadium now, charging a fortune for tickets at the moment, 45,000 at the weekend, it’s going to keep creeping up.
“And then Barcelona, before long, will be back on a familiar financial footing. They’ll be setting their sights very high to bring back in superstars at Barcelona.”
Reports emerged last month suggesting Barcelona had accumulated a staggering transfer fee debt of approximately £138m following the publication of their 2024/25 financial accounts, sparking concerns regarding the club’s long-term viability.
It was further revealed that the Catalan giants must settle £121m of that outstanding amount before the season concludes to remain financially stable.
Such circumstances could serve as a significant warning sign for Rashford moving forward, particularly considering his prospects at United appear virtually non-existent at this juncture.
He could also express concern over fan unrest given the steep ticket prices at Camp Nou, which is currently undergoing significant refurbishment but recently reopened with a limited capacity of around 45,000.
To put it into perspective, the cheapest ticket available on the club’s website for their match against Alaves on Saturday, November 29 is priced at £95.51 (€109), while the most affordable ticket for their game against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday, December 2 is set at £148 (€169).
However, Rashford appears to be enjoying his time in Spain. Speaking in September, he said: “Playing for Barca is an amazing experience. I’ve always been a huge admirer of Barcelona.
“We want to win as much as possible. One hundred per cent I’m full of excitement. I’m very motivated and determined. The quality we have in the team excites me. It’s so refreshing to play with these players.”
