Rashford and Barcelona's Personal Terms Nearly Done, But the Money Talk Hasn't Started

The Marcus Rashford saga continues to rumble on, and according to Fabrizio Romano, we're no closer to a resolution despite fresh movement behind the scenes.

The 28-year-old headed to the Nou Camp on a season-long loan last summer after pushing for the move, having spent the previous half-year on the sidelines at Aston Villa following his falling-out with Ruben Amorim. United inserted a €30m (£26m) buyout clause into that arrangement, giving Barcelona the option to make the deal permanent when summer rolls around.

Here's where it gets interesting. Personal terms between Rashford and Barcelona are almost locked down, but the club-to-club negotiations? They're essentially on ice. Barcelona's recent elections mean any serious talks with United won't materialise until the dust settles, and that's where things stand for now.

Romano laid out United's position with clarity: if Barcelona can't or won't stump up the €30m, the player returns to Old Trafford and the club will have their pick of suitors. "United feel very relaxed," Romano explained on his YouTube channel. "Either Barcelona pay the €30m or they are prepared to sell the player elsewhere in the summer."

The message from Carrington is unambiguous—no haggling on the fee. Barcelona want Rashford? They pay what was agreed. The financial realities of La Liga's outfit mean they're also playing a waiting game, but United aren't budging on their terms.

Andy Mitten, writing for The National, echoes this sentiment. From United's viewpoint, it's straightforward: honour the option or Rashford returns with a year remaining on his contract. There's no renegotiating, and the club is confident other clubs will come calling for someone who's proven himself in Spanish football this season.

The numbers also don't add up for Rashford to return to United permanently anyway. His wages are substantial, and his contract—which runs until 2028—is structured to pay him even more as time goes on. United's hierarchy isn't interested in bringing him back into the fold, and financially it simply doesn't make sense.

So we wait. Barcelona need to sort their house in order, United aren't shifting on their asking price, and Rashford's future hangs in the balance. For now, everyone's content to sit tight.