The Christmas period has brought clarity to one of Barcelona’s biggest transfer questions. On Thursday, December 25, 2025, renowned transfer expert Matteo Moretto reported that Hansi Flick has officially informed the Barcelona board that signing Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis is now a "top priority" for the 2026/27 season.
After a tumultuous exit from Manchester United last summer, the 28-year-old has reinvented himself in Catalonia, becoming a vital cog in Flick’s high-pressing machine.
The "Moretto" Report: Flick’s Ultimate Goal
According to the report, Flick has been "blown away" by Rashford’s rapid adaptation to the tactical demands of the squad. While Raphinha remains the primary starter on the left, Flick views Rashford as the perfect "elite rotation" piece who can play across the entire front three.
The Decision: Flick has told Sporting Director Deco that he wants the deal finalized early to avoid a bidding war in the summer.
The Player’s Desire: In a bombshell interview with SPORT this week, Rashford confirmed he has no intention of returning to Old Trafford.
"What I want is to stay at Barca. It’s the ultimate goal. This is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles, and I'm in the perfect environment."
The Financial Terms: A "Bargain" Buy Option
Barcelona’s foresight during last summer’s negotiations appears to have paid off. The loan agreement included a buy option that is looking like incredible value in the current market.
The Option Fee: Barcelona can sign Rashford permanently for €30 million (£26.2m).
The United Discount: Reports suggest this fee is significantly lower than the £40m–£45m United would demand from any other club, a reflection of Ruben Amorim’s desire to permanently move the forward off the books.
The Salary Sacrifice: To make the deal work under La Liga’s FFP rules, Rashford has reportedly indicated he is willing to reduce his current £300,000-per-week wages to sign a long-term contract at Spotify Camp Nou.
The Stats That Won Over Flick
Rashford’s impact during the first half of the 2025/26 season has silenced his critics. He was particularly crucial during a two-month injury layoff for Raphinha, effectively carrying the Barcelona attack.
Appearances: 24 (Across all competitions)
Goals: 7 (including 4 in the Champions League)
Assists: 11 (Emerging as a primary playmaker)
Key Role: His versatility to fill in for Robert Lewandowski as a #9 or support Lamine Yamal from the left has made him Flick’s "tactical Swiss Army knife."
Rashford’s Rebirth: Manchester vs. Barcelona
Metric,Man Utd (2024/25),Barcelona (2025/26 - Current)
G/A per 90 mins,0.32,0.84
Big Chances Created,2,12
Successful Dribbles,1.1,2.8
Squad Status,Outcast,Core Rotation
The Verdict: While the final decision rests on Barcelona’s winter financial audit, the sporting verdict is unanimous. With Rashford desperate to stay and Flick demanding his signature, the academy graduate’s decade-long association with Manchester United is officially nearing its permanent end.