Barcelona are unlikely to activate their EUR30 million option to sign Marcus Rashford permanently from Manchester United, with ESPN reporting that Hansi Flick will have the final say before the La Liga champions' June 15 deadline.
Barcelona's June 15 Rashford Deadline
Barca must tell United by June 15 whether they want to commit to the permanent deal, which ESPN says would be paid in three EUR10 million instalments. Sources told the outlet they have not heard from Barcelona, although the club have not completely ruled out keeping Rashford.
The current preference appears to be caution rather than a clean break. Barcelona would be open to renegotiating at a lower fee or taking Rashford on loan for another season, but ESPN has previously reported that United have no intention of lowering their demands.
Anthony Gordon Changes Barcelona's Left-Wing Picture
Rashford, 28, gave Barcelona real production last season, scoring 14 goals and adding 14 assists as the Catalan side won La Liga and the Spanish Supercopa. His case is not built on nostalgia or vague fit; the numbers are useful.
The problem is the left side of Barcelona's attack is now crowded and expensive. ESPN reported that Anthony Gordon has arrived from Newcastle United for EUR70 million, while Raphinha also operates mainly from the left. Spending another EUR30 million on Rashford would make less sense unless the club move salary or transfer money out first.
Barcelona are also still looking at Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as a replacement for departing striker Robert Lewandowski. ESPN noted that Atletico rejected a EUR150 million Real Madrid bid for Alvarez on Tuesday, so that pursuit is unlikely to be cheap or tidy.
Manchester United Talks Still Decide Rashford Return
Flick wanted at least two new forwards this summer as part of Barcelona's attacking reshuffle, according to ESPN. Gordon is one piece of that plan, and Alvarez remains a target, leaving Rashford as a possible third addition rather than the central move.
Rashford is currently in the United States preparing for the World Cup with England. His club future, though, still runs through talks between Barcelona and Manchester United. Unless United soften their position or Barcelona clear room in the front line, the June 15 option looks more likely to pass than to be triggered.