Barcelona are reportedly exploring a second loan spell for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford as negotiations over his future intensify ahead of the summer transfer window.

According to Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, the La Liga leaders are pushing for another temporary deal rather than triggering the €30 million (£26m) option to buy that is included in Rashford’s current loan agreement. Talks with Manchester United remain ongoing, with Barcelona keen to avoid the full fee while still securing the services of the 28-year-old Englishman, who is said to be approved by head coach Hansi Flick.

Rashford joined Barcelona on a season-long loan in July 2025 after a brief earlier loan stint at Aston Villa in the first half of 2025. He has shown strong form in Catalonia, contributing important goals including a recent strike in a 2-0 win over Getafe that helped Barcelona move clear at the top of the table and adding creativity in attack. His performances have helped the team in La Liga, though their Champions League campaign ended in the quarter-finals against Atletico Madrid.

Despite the positive impact, Barcelona appear reluctant to commit to the permanent €30m buyout clause (with a reported deadline around mid-June). Recent reports suggest they have tried to negotiate a lower fee, but Manchester United have held firm. A second loan would allow Barca to keep Rashford without immediate heavy outlay, while also keeping him off United’s wage bill for another season.

For Manchester United, the situation is delicate. Rashford, a product of their academy with nearly 300 Premier League appearances, is in the final 18 months of his contract at Old Trafford. After falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim, a sale this summer represents one of the last opportunities for the club to generate significant transfer income from the forward. Allowing another loan could delay any fee but risks him running down his contract and leaving for free in 2027.

Rashford himself is understood to be keen on staying at Barcelona, where he has rediscovered confidence and enjoys working under Flick. A second loan spell would extend his time away from the pressure of his boyhood club and keep him in contention for major silverware.

As the transfer saga unfolds, both clubs face key decisions. Barcelona must balance financial constraints with squad ambitions, while United weigh the benefits of offloading a high earner against potentially losing a saleable asset. Further updates from reliable sources like Plettenberg are expected as talks progress.

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