Marcus Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, but his future is up in the air with the Spanish giants yet to decide on whether to sign him permanently
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford could sign for Barcelona on a permanent basis next summer
View 2 Images
Marcus Rashford may be presented with a fresh opportunity to depart Manchester United at the season's end, amidst doubts over Barcelona's commitment to a permanent deal. The Spanish heavyweights have an option to buy for £26million (€30m) next summer, but it remains uncertain whether they will exercise this right.
The England ace has netted six times for Barcelona and supplied nine assists in all competitions. An injury to Raphinha has seen Rashford become a mainstay in Hansi Flick's starting line-up, and he is said to have made a positive impact on his fellow players and the coaching staff.
Following a brief loan stint at Aston Villa last term, Rashford realised his dream move to Camp Nou in the summer. As part of the transfer, a future permanent fee of £26m was agreed upon, which would see the 28-year-old sever ties with Manchester United permanently.
However, there is still no definitive sign as to whether they will activate that option. It's thought that a decision will be reached later in the season, depending on how Rashford performs between now and May and Barcelona's worrying financial situation.
In a new development, Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo has shed light on Flick's summer recruitment strategy and its potential implications for Rashford.
The report suggests that Barcelona's sporting director Deco and Flick have concurred that a left-footed centre-back, a winger and a centre-forward will be their top priorities, reports the Mirror.
As Barcelona prepare for a future without Robert Lewandowski, who will be 38 by next summer, they are keeping tabs on Julian Alvarez and Harry Kane. However, their ambition to bolster their squad with a versatile winger could potentially hinder Rashford's permanent move.
Marcus Rashford has impressed since joining Barcelona
Rashford has impressed since joining Barcelona
View 2 Images
Despite Flick's limited use of Rashford as a centre-forward this season, Raphinha's return from injury might prompt a reshuffle in the Barcelona line-up. Erling Haaland has also been mooted as a potential target.
The report mentions the United loanee, but Rafael Leao of AC Milan is suggested as another option. There's also speculation that Raphinha could depart due to interest from Saudi Arabia.
Consequently, Rashford's future may lie elsewhere, with Paris Saint-Germain reportedly contemplating luring him to France.
Mundo Deportivo reports that the European champions are closely monitoring the England international and have earmarked 43.8m (€50m) should they decide to pursue him.
Luis Enrique's team currently boasts one of the most lethal forward lines in Europe, with Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola impressing behind Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele. Rashford's versatility to play on the left and as a striker could make him an attractive prospect for the Parisians.
Rashford still has two years remaining on his contract at Old Trafford, and under Ruben Amorim, it seems improbable that he will be given another opportunity to rejoin the United squad.
However, having demonstrated glimpses of his top form in Spain, the prospect of securing a permanent transfer may not be as difficult as previously thought.