Barcelona's sporting director Deco met with Rashford's agent Arturo Canales and agency colleague Kostas Theoharides on Monday to discuss a permanent deal for the 28‑year‑old forward. The club wants to activate the €30 million purchase option but aims to negotiate a lower fee, while Manchester United has said the price is fixed. Salary differences also loom, as Barcelona cannot match United's wage offer and Rashford would need a significant pay cut to stay in Catalonia.
Negotiations are already underway ahead of the summer window, with Barcelona hoping the player’s desire to remain in Spain and the time left before the deadline could open room for compromise.