Koeman Urges Barcelona to Sign Rashford Permanently: ‘€30 Million Is a Bargain’

Ronald Koeman has issued a firm warning to Barcelona over their future with Marcus Rashford, insisting the Catalan club would be making a costly mistake if they choose not to activate the €30 million permanent transfer option on the Manchester United loanee this summer.

Rashford, 28, was at the heart of Barcelona’s El Clásico victory over Real Madrid on Sunday, opening the scoring with a free-kick in the ninth minute. The performance appeared to strengthen the case for his permanent acquisition, with Barcelona holding a €30 million option to sign him at the end of the current season.

“If Barcelona allows him to return to Manchester United after this loan, I believe they will deeply regret it,” Koeman told Diario AS. “Because 30 million euros in today’s market for a player with these attributes, these statistics, this experience… that is a bargain.”

The former Netherlands international manager, who managed Barcelona between 2020 and 2021, also highlighted Rashford’s impact on Real Madrid’s defensive structure during the match. “Rashford poses a threat to teams. Madrid appeared frightened every time he turned and sprinted. Against Real Madrid, he utterly overwhelmed them on the counter-attack. The speed, the intensity, the directness, the confidence, Madrid could not cope with him.”

Koeman further challenged those within the club who remain unconvinced about committing to the fee. “Every time Barcelona moved forward, he was the threat, and yet there are individuals within the club who hesitate to pay 30 million euros? That seems absurd to me.”

Rashford has delivered consistent output throughout his loan spell, registering 14 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions this season. The England international has also indicated his own preference to stay at Barcelona, should an agreement be reached between the two clubs.

The forward left Manchester United on loan in January 2025 following a difficult period at Old Trafford, where his form and relationship with the club had deteriorated significantly. According to reports, Manchester United are not planning for Rashford’s return, further clearing the path for a permanent move to Spain.

With the end of the season approaching, Barcelona face a decision that carries both financial and sporting implications. At €30 million, the fee sits well below the market value typically associated with forwards of Rashford’s output and profile, a point Koeman’s comments underline. Whether the club’s hierarchy acts on that assessment before the option window closes remains to be seen.