Marcus Rashford has impressed at Barcelona since joining on loan from Manchester United, but concerns over his wages could prevent the club activating their permanent option
Marcus Rashford
Barcelona have the option to buy Marcus Rashford from Man United at the end of the season
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Barcelona's decision to make Marcus Rashford's move permanent is reportedly not as straightforward as it appears, with the club divided on the matter. The Spanish heavyweights have an option in Rashford's loan agreement that allows them to secure the English forward on a permanent basis this summer for £26m.
Aston Villa had a similar option - albeit at a steeper price of £40m - when the Manchester-born striker spent the latter half of last season on loan under Unai Emery. Despite Rashford's impressive performances at Villa Park, they ultimately decided against activating the clause, and Barcelona face a similar dilemma come the end of the season.
The 28-year-old seems to have quickly found his feet in Spain's second city. In his first 18 appearances for the club across all competitions, Rashford has netted six goals and provided seven assists.
Initially, it seemed likely that Barca would exercise the buy option. However, the La Liga champions have now identified a concern, one that echoes the issues that led Manchester United to consider moving Rashford on.
Spanish publication Sport reports that there are concerns within the club about Rashford's hefty salary - despite what would seem a bargain transfer fee for such an experienced player. The England international took a 25% pay cut and now earns around £240,000-per-week, with Barca covering his entire wages during the loan period.
It's said that the attacker offers little in terms of high pressing, something which is a must-have in any Hansi Flick team. The report states that Barcelona's main concern is securing backup for Raphinha. United will be hoping for a swift resolution regarding Rashford's future.
Should he return to United, he would most likely be loaned out once more or sold permanently, as Ruben Amorim doesn't consider him part of his future strategy.
Last September, Flick was full of praise for Rashford. He commented: "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 had also previously revealed to journalists: "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."
Yet despite Flick's enthusiasm, Barcelona don't possess endless resources. Indeed, quite the reverse has been the case in recent years, with the club constantly struggling to stabilise their books.
Rashford's spell at Barcelona has enabled him to regain his place in Thomas Tuchel's England setup, and the 28 year old seems to be on track for next summer's World Cup. However, even Tuchel has emphasised that further improvement is required.
The England manager stated: "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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