Marcus Rashford’s move away from Manchester United looked straightforward when he joined Barcelona on loan this summer.
The England forward reportedly arrived at Camp Nou with a £26 million option to buy, and early signs suggested both player and club were happy with the arrangement.
But like a tricky winger cutting inside, the transfer story has reportedly taken a sudden twist.
United are now said to be raising their asking price to around £35 million, according to reports in England (via The Daily Star).
That figure is well above the initial agreement and could stall talks with Barcelona, who apparently still plan to stick to the original deal.
For a player once viewed as Old Trafford’s homegrown hero, his future is now wrapped in financial footwork.
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A transfer tug-of-war for Rashford
Rashford has made a strong start in Spain. He scored twice in a Champions League win over Newcastle, reminding everyone why he remains a top talent.
Barcelona would love to keep him, but United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is playing hardball. The club know that a good season in La Liga — and possibly with England at the next World Cup — could drive his value even higher.
The 27-year-old is reportedly settled in Barcelona and has no plans to return to Manchester. His contract at United runs until 2028, giving the Premier League side plenty of leverage.
There is no recall clause in the loan deal, so United cannot bring him back early, but they can wait and watch his price rise.
For now, Rashford must keep scoring while both clubs negotiate in the background. A smooth exit once seemed certain. Now, it feels more like a drawn-out extra-time thriller.
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