Marcus Rashford remains keen on permanently joining Barcelona from Manchester United after hitting impressive numbers at the Camp Nou this season
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has impressed at Barcelona this season(Image: AP)
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Barcelona are now prepared to trigger the £26million option to sign Marcus Rashford permanently from Manchester United, according to reports in Spain.
Rashford joined the La Liga champions on loan in the summer after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim. He spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, with his last appearance for United in December 2024.
The 28-year-old has scored 10 goals and assisted on another 12 for Barcelona this season. His performances in Spain have bolstered his chances of being named in England's World Cup squad in June.
Earlier this month, an update claimed that the Catalan club is unwilling to pay the amount previously agreed for a permanent transfer and had offered two suggestions to United. One was signing Rashford for a lower fee, and the other was to re-sign him on loan for another season, with an obligation to buy in 2027.
However, Spanish newspaper Marca has reported that Rashford wants to commit his future to Barcelona, who are now willing to activate the clause and sign him permanently for the agreed £26m.
Barcelona are set to lose striker Robert Lewandowski in the summer when his contract expires. The 37-year-old is yet to sign an extension in Spain, meaning Hansi Flick's men will be eager to strengthen their attack.
Rashford is understood to be keen to move to Barcelona on a permanent basis after settling in quickly. "It's been amazing. I feel welcome, I feel at home," he told the BBC at the end of last year.
Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring for Barcelona against FC Copenhagen with Marc Casado
Marcus Rashford celebrates scoring for Barcelona against FC Copenhagen(Image: Getty Images)
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"I've just been enjoying every step of the way. Learning the language and stuff like that, learning the culture, it's all enjoyable for me. It's something I wanted to do for a long time and this is the perfect opportunity."
Barca boss Flick has applauded Rashford's commitment to the club after youngster Dro Fernandez handed in a transfer request to force a move to Paris Saint-Germain. After making five appearances for the club, the 18-year-old activated his own release clause worth £5.1m to seal his switch to Paris.
"Marcus' performances have been really good until now, so we have to manage it, but it's [sporting director] Deco's job do things for next season," Flick explained. "We have to wait.
"We have months to go. For me, of course with Marcus we have a player on the top level, but also with our situation, and what I appreciate a lot from him [is his desire to be here].
"This is what I want to say to young players from La Masia: We are Barca and we are one of the best teams in the world. We give them the opportunity to train with us, to grow, to train with the best players in the world, the support and the confidence.
"If you want to play with Barca, then it has to be 100 per cent with your whole heart. This is what I want to say to everyone: 100 per cent. These colours, you have to live for them. All the others, I don't want."