Barcelona set clear condition to retain Marcus Rashford even if they sign Anthony Gordon - report | Barca Universal

Barcelona are accelerating negotiations for Anthony Gordon while not fully abandoning Marcus Rashford. Barcelona continue to value Rashford’s tactical versatility and believe he can remain important in the squad. Rashford is seen as more than a left winger, with the ability to play centrally as a false nine and cover the right side, offering rotation for Lamine Yamal. Barcelona’s main obstacle is financial complexity rather than sporting fit. Contract structure is a key concern, including proposals to extend a previously agreed three-year deal by two more years to spread amortisation and reduce short-term impact. Barcelona are unconvinced because Rashford would be 33 at the end of the contract, creating doubts about long-term commitment. Any agreement requires a much lower salary impact.

"Barcelona are not prepared to completely abandon the idea of keeping Marcus Rashford despite accelerating negotiations for Anthony Gordon, reports Mundo Deportivo. While earlier reports suggested Gordon's arrival could directly end Rashford's continuity at the club, fresh information from Spain now paints a more complicated picture. It is said that Barcelona still value the Manchester United forward highly, but any possibility of extending his stay will depend entirely on financial conditions becoming much more favourable."

"For what it is worth, the main issue with Rashford is not sporting approval. In fact, Hansi Flick and the coaching staff continue to appreciate Rashford's tactical versatility and believe he can still play an important role within the squad. Barcelona see the England international as far more than just a left winger, as they also value the fact that he can operate centrally as a false nine and even cover the right side when needed, potentially providing rotation for Lamine Yamal."

"That flexibility and his connection with the dressing room are why the Blaugrana are refusing to fully close the door on the player despite their growing interest in Gordon. However, fitting the operation financially remains extremely complicated. One of the biggest concerns involves the contract structure proposed around Rashford's continuity. According to reports, the player's side explored the possibility of extending the previously agreed three-year contract by an additional two years in order to spread out amortisation costs and reduce the short-term financial impact."

"However, Barcelona are unconvinced by that formula. The club's sporting management are hesitant because by the time he will finish his contract, Rashford will be 33 and there are doubts about committing to such a long-term arrangement. Because of that, Barcelona believe Rashford's salary impact must become significantly lower if any agreement is to b"

Read at Barca Universal