Marcus Rashford: Barcelona take bold call on United loanee’s future

Even a second loan might be off the table, as the club’s hierarchy are not too impressed with the Mancunian‘s recent performances and are looking at alternatives to strengthen their forward line.

“Barca’s interest in retaining Rashford after his loan spell ends this summer, meanwhile, has cooled. The Champions League quarter-final tie against Atletico did him no favours, with the England forward poor in front of goal in the first leg and then putting in an erratic performance after coming off the bench at the Metropolitano.

Barcelona take bold call

“Club sources believe he had a golden chance to make his mark this month following Raphinha’s latest hamstring injury, and that he did not fully take it. There is also the question of cost for Barca — they have a €30million (£26.1m; $35.3m) buy option for the 28-year-old, but as things stand they don’t intend to trigger it.

“In February, The Athletic reported contact between Barca and the player’s camp over a permanent deal in the summer. Club officials met with Rashford’s camp and confirmed they were happy with his performances and his fit with the dressing room.

“Barca said they would explore the conditions of a new deal in the summer and raised the idea of paying the €30million clause in instalments. United’s position has been that they will not renegotiate the original deal.

“Barca sources were given the sense in that meeting that Rashford’s personal terms would not be a problem, but two months later the club is already considering other options for the forward line, although sources close to Rashford say Barca have not communicated any decision.”

United now have another problem on their hands

Marcus Rashford has 12 goals and 13 assists this season, yet Barca keep dragging their feet over a deal that seemed destined to be complete a couple of months earlier.

Whether the England international will return to Old Trafford, or whether INEOS agree a new loan deal with the Camp Nou side or choose to sell him elsewhere, remains to be seen.

Feature image Fran Santiago via Getty Images

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