Overview

• Deco said Barcelona will not incur any fee if they choose not to activate the option to buy Marcus Rashford, confirming it is a simple loan with a purchase option.
• The option to buy is reported at around €30 million (£26 million), and the club will wait until the summer to decide, with Robert Lewandowski’s future among the considerations.
• Rashford has produced two goals and four assists in eight appearances under Hansi Flick, including a Champions League brace at Newcastle and a LaLiga assist versus Real Sociedad.
• Rashford accepted a wage cut to join on loan, and reporting suggests his long‑term salary expectations could strain Barcelona’s finances if a permanent deal is pursued.
• Finance expert Stefan Borson told Football Insider that United could be ‘boxed in’ and forced to accept a reduced fee if Barcelona are the sole bidder and Rashford wants to stay.