Marcus Rashford's hopes of permanent transfer to Barcelona hit by LaLiga's rule

Marcus Rashford’s hopes of permanent transfer to Barcelona hit by LaLiga’s rule

MARCUS RASHFORD’S hopes of a permanent move to Barcelona are in jeopardy after LaLiga cut the club’s spending limit by nearly £100million.

The Manchester United loanee has made a flying start in Spain, bagging two goals in Barca’s Champions League win over Newcastle at St James’ Park this week.

Rashford reminded everyone of his talent with two goals in the Champions League this weekCredit: PA

Javier Tebas, president of the Spanish football league La Liga, speaking at the forum Defense of the European Football Ecosystem. — LaLiga have a new rule that could make it difficult for Barcelona to sign Rashford in the summerCredit: AFP

Hansi Flick and Marcus Rashford at a soccer match. — Rashford has made it clear that he wants to stay in Spain but that decision could be taken out of his handsCredit: Getty

But despite his electric form, the Spanish giants have been hit hard by new financial restrictions that could block any big-money signings, including turning Rashford’s loan into a full-time deal.

According to reports in Spain, LaLiga confirmed on Friday that Barca’s official salary cap for the 2025/26 season has been cut from €463million to €351m — a whopping drop of €112m (£96m).

That wage limit includes salaries, transfer fees, and other squad costs. And if clubs go over it, LaLiga won’t register new signings, no matter how big the name.

According to the Athletic, the dramatic reduction is reportedly linked to a row over VIP hospitality income at the Camp Nou.

Previous auditors had counted a €100m deal selling 25 years of future profits from 475 executive boxes as valid income.

But the current auditors refused to certify it, meaning Barca couldn’t include it in their budget.

It’s yet another blow as the club continues to play home games away from the Nou Camp, with the iconic stadium undergoing a £1.25billion redevelopment.

They’ve been forced to use the 6,000-capacity Johan Cruyff Stadium, massively slashing matchday revenue and further tightening the financial screws.

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One senior LaLiga source warned the loss of home gate income has “seriously limited” the Catalans’ ability to operate in the transfer market.

Barca pulled off a surprise loan swoop for Rashford, 27, this summer, alongside a £30m deal for Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Pitch invader tackled by security as Marcus Rashford collects Man of the Match award after Newcastle clash

But insiders now say the club must find new revenue streams or offload players before they can commit to a long-term deal for the England star.

La Liga president Javier Tebas hinted that the Catalans had already pushed their limits in the summer window.

He said: “They showed they could add players, in line with their situation, their results on the pitch have remained strong.”

The Athletic is reporting that Barcelona is not disagreeing with the new limit and believe things will improve once the Camp Nou reopens, bringing back matchday cash and allowing them to unlock the full VIP deal.

They’re also waiting on the final €100m payment from that hospitality agreement.

Rashford has made it clear he’s loving life in Spain and feels the move is improving his game.

But with La Liga tightening its financial belt and Barcelona still juggling huge costs, any hope of making the switch permanent now looks far from simple.

Until the club’s revenue streams are back in full swing, a long-term Rashford deal remains on ice.