Marcus Rashford's position at Barcelona has been made clear by the club amid speculation over the Manchester United forward's future
Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford has made his feelings clear on his Barcelona future(Image: Getty Images)
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Marcus Rashford has received encouraging news as he pursues a permanent move to Barcelona. While not always guaranteed a starting berth, the Manchester United forward has made his mark in Spain with 10 goals and 13 assists this campaign.
After Rubem Amorim's sacking, Rashford has been linked with a return to Old Trafford, though a prolonged spell in Catalonia appears more probable. Barcelona hold the option to secure him permanently for £26million in the summer.
The England international's impressive recent performances were interrupted by a minor knee complaint, which ruled him out of the 4-0 thrashing at Atletico Madrid in the Copa de Rey semi-final first leg. Nevertheless, he could feature against Girona in La Liga on Monday.
The return fixture against Atletico takes place on March 3, with Barca facing a huge challenge against Diego Simeone's side. However, demonstrating just how much Rashford is appreciated, the club has identified his expected availability as a crucial factor in Hansi Flick's side overturning the deficit.
When the club website outlined grounds for confidence ahead of the second leg at the Nou Camp, it labelled him a "key player". The site said: "If all goes well, three key players should be available for the second leg on 3 March: Pedri, Raphinha and Rashford. The Englishman looks the most certain, having missed the first leg purely as a precaution."
The praise arrives alongside a fresh development regarding Rashford's long-term future, and it's not as straightforward as Barca simply paying the aforementioned £26m.
The Spanish giants have reportedly put forward two proposals to United for securing Rashford's services: signing him for below his release clause or prolonging his loan deal for another 12 months with a compulsory purchase commitment in 2027.
Spanish publication SPORT claims Barca have chosen to acquire Rashford on a permanent basis and will only alter their plans if he sustains a significant injury. And while Amorim's departure could pave the way for a United comeback, Rashford has been clear that he sees his future in Spain.
Marcus Rashford
Rashford is hoping to return to action soon after a knee issue(Image: Josep LAGO/AFP via Getty Images)
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Speaking earlier this season, he said: "Oh yeah, for sure. I'm enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game, so to play here is an honour.
"I just believe that things happen when they're supposed to happen. It's not the first time I spoke with Barcelona about potentially coming here, but for whatever reasons it didn't happen in the past, and now is my opportunity to make it happen. I feel like there's no time like the present now."
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