Marcus Rashford loan spell at Barcelona has started impressively, but questions remain over whether the move could become permanent.

The 27-year-old joined the Catalan giants this summer from Manchester United, having struggled to find his place under Ruben Amorim before a short stint at Aston Villa reignited his form.

The loan deal reportedly includes an option for Barcelona to buy Rashford for around £27 million — a figure widely regarded as a bargain given his pedigree, experience, and current performances.

However, the financial realities at Camp Nou could complicate any permanent transfer.

Flying Start in Spain for Marcus Rashford

Since arriving in La Liga, Rashford has wasted no time making his mark. With three goals and five assists in his first ten appearances across all competitions, he has quickly adapted to Barcelona’s style, even though he is not yet an undisputed starter.

His speed, work rate, and versatility have brought a fresh dimension to Barca’s attack, earning praise from both fans and pundits. His ability to switch seamlessly between the wings and central positions has added flexibility to Xavi’s tactical options.

Despite this early success, there is a growing concern that the club’s financial limitations and other priorities could hinder any plans to make his stay permanent.

Lewandowski’s Future Looms Large

A major factor complicating Rashford’s future is the uncertain situation surrounding Robert Lewandowski. The Polish striker remains prolific — scoring 105 goals in 156 appearances — but at 37, his long-term future at Barcelona is far from secure.

Reports from Spain suggest the club may not renew his contract beyond 2026. If that happens, Barcelona will need significant funds to secure a world-class striker capable of replacing Lewandowski’s output.

Given the club’s well-documented financial struggles and registration challenges, Rashford’s £27 million clause, while attractive, may not be a top priority. Instead, resources could be redirected towards finding a new number nine to lead the line.

Fierce Competition on the Wings

Barcelona already boast considerable depth in wide positions. Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres, Dani Olmo, and promising youngster Roony Bardghji are all competing for spots in the starting eleven.

In that context, it’s difficult to imagine Marcus Rashford being seen as indispensable, particularly if the club must choose between reinforcing their attack centrally or retaining another winger.

Rashford’s No.9 Ambition

Interestingly, Rashford may already have anticipated this challenge. Speaking to Spanish YouTube channel xBuyer in June, he admitted that playing as a striker “is becoming more comfortable, more natural,” following his loan spell with Aston Villa.

If he can successfully convince Barcelona’s hierarchy that he can evolve into Lewandowski’s long-term replacement, the Englishman’s chances of staying permanently would rise dramatically.

His pace, finishing, and tactical intelligence make him a viable candidate for that transition — but it would require consistency and faith from the coaching staff.

Financial Levers and the Barcelona Factor

Ultimately, this is still Barcelona — a club that has repeatedly found creative ways to finance deals when truly motivated.

If Rashford continues to shine and the £27 million option begins to look like a steal, few would be surprised if the club activate another “financial lever” to make the move happen.

According to Transfermarkt, Rashford’s market value currently sits at around €40 million, reinforcing how undervalued his buy clause appears.

As the season unfolds and Champions League football returns, starting with a crucial clash against Olympiacos next week, Rashford will have further opportunities to prove his worth.

Whether Barcelona can — or will — make his stay permanent remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: his performances have already reignited a career that once seemed at a crossroads.