Marcus Rashford's future seems unclear, with cash-strapped Barcelona still undecided on their decision to sign the Englishman permanently from Manchester United in the coming summer
Marcus Rashford wipes his face
Marcus Rashford's high salary may cause issues for Barcelona(Image: DeFodi Images, DeFodi Images via Getty Images)
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Barcelona’s decision over whether to sign Marcus Rashford permanently is reportedly not as simple as it may seem, with opinions inside the club split. The Spanish giants have an option in Rashford’s loan deal allowing them to sign the Englishman permanently in the coming summer for £26m.
Aston Villa had the same option - albeit at a higher price of £40m - when the Manchester-born forward spent the second half of last season on loan under Unai Emery. Despite Rashford impressing at Villa Park, they ultimately chose not to activate it – and Barcelona could end up making a similar decision.
The 28-year-old looks to have settled quickly in Spain’s second city. Across his first 18 games for the club in all competitions, Rashford has scored six goals and registered seven assists.
Signs had pointed towards Barca triggering the buy option. However, the La Liga champions have now identified a concern, one of the very same issues that pushed Manchester United towards moving Rashford out of their squad.
According to Spanish outlet Sport, there are worries inside the club about Rashford’s high salary. The England international took a 25% pay cut and now earns around £240k per week. During the loan, Barca are covering the entirety of his wages.
Rashford has impressed during his loan spell in Barcelona
Rashford has impressed during his loan spell in Barcelona(Image: Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)
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The Spanish club are also unsure about Rashford’s tactical adaptation. The United loanee is said to offer little in terms of high pressing, something which is a non-negotiable in any Hansi Flick team.
The report adds that Barcelona’s priority is finding cover for Raphinha. United will hope a decision on Rashford’s future will be made soon.
If he returns to United, he would likely be sent out on loan again or sold, with Ruben Amorim not viewing him as part of his long-term plans.
Back in September, Flick spoke glowingly of Rashford. He said: “You have to look back a little. I’ve followed Marcus since Manchester United — he has speed, one-on-one skills and finishing.
“What I’ve seen in the first few weeks has been very good, and he has some more potential to show. It’s great to have him on the team. He’s an incredible, fantastic player. What I’m seeing is very good.”
Flick also previously told reporters: “I told Deco this summer: ‘Please get me a player like Marcus Rashford!’ I’m very happy to have him here. Rashford was an opportunity in the transfer market and we had to take it. I’m glad we did.
“I spoke to him and said: ‘I need you in my team.’ This is a good step for Rashford. It will give him a lot of confidence.”
But despite Flick’s admiration, Barcelona do not have unlimited funds. In fact, the opposite has been true in recent seasons, with the club repeatedly fighting to balance their finances.
Rashford’s Barcelona stint has helped him return to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad, and the 28-year-old appears on the right path for next year’s World Cup. But even Tuchel has insisted more is needed.
The England boss said: “The numbers don’t reach the potential. He needs to push himself with goal involvements. He knows that from me. I think he still has to make these decisions. He is still young enough to make these decisions, because otherwise he might be disappointed in 10 years with what he could have been and what he may have done.”
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