Flick Insists on Keeping Rashford and Cancelo

Barcelona continues to work on the file of the duo, Marcus Rashford and Joao Cancelo, with Hans Flick's desire to keep them within the team after the levels they have shown during the current season.

The Spanish newspaper 'Mundo Deportivo' confirmed that Rashford and Cancelo wish to continue with Barcelona, while the Catalan club is preparing to find the appropriate formula to ensure their stay after the end of their loan period on June 30th.

Barcelona faces a different situation with each file, as the club has the option to buy Rashford from Manchester United for 30 million euros, while Cancelo's continuation requires negotiation with Al Hilal Saudi Club, given the Portuguese player's contract extends until 2027.

The Spanish newspaper explained that Rashford has expressed his readiness to reduce his salary to facilitate his stay at Spotify Camp Nou, which is highly appreciated within Barcelona's management. The two parties had previously reached an agreement regarding his salary in case the purchase option is activated, since the loan deal was completed in the summer of 2025, but the club is still studying the best way to register the deal within the financial fair play rules in La Liga.

Barcelona is considering the option to purchase the English player permanently by paying the deal value in installments, with the possibility of granting him a longer contract to ease the annual financial burdens. The option to negotiate a new loan is also on the table, especially since Rashford does not wish to return to Manchester United.

In this situation, Barcelona is considering an option that seems closest to implementation, which is to extend the player's loan for an additional season with the inclusion of a mandatory purchase clause in the summer of 2027, but at a lower value than the current one, especially since his contract with Manchester United will then be nearing its end.

Barcelona's management sees this formula as giving them the opportunity to postpone the payment of the deal value and reduce its final cost, while ensuring Manchester United the player's permanent transfer after the loan ends.

The Catalan club views the English striker's contribution this season very positively, after scoring 14 goals and providing 12 assists, along with his ability to offer Flick multiple attacking solutions thanks to his technical capabilities and vast experience.

On the other hand, Cancelo has secured his place within Barcelona's lineup during the second half of the season, having established himself as a starter on the left flank and contributing with two goals and three assists, which has reinforced the coaching staff's desire for his continuation.

The Spanish newspaper added that the Portuguese player will be monitoring the developments of the negotiations between Barcelona and Al Hilal Saudi Club in the coming period, in coordination with his agent Jorge Mendes, especially with only one season remaining in his contract with the Saudi club.

Barcelona hopes to reach an agreement that ensures the continuation of the duo, given Flick's complete conviction in what they offer within the team, both technically and in terms of harmony with the group.