Marcus Rashford has been impressing on loan at Barcelona but a decision is yet to be made on a transfer exit from Manchester United
Barcelona still look to be weighing up the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford
Barcelona still look to be weighing up the permanent signing of Marcus Rashford(Image: (Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images))
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Barcelona and Marcus Rashford have not yet agreed terms for a permanent transfer from Manchester United, despite recent reports in Spain. The 28-year-old has been in superb form during his loan spell at the Catalan Club and could feasibly join on a permanent basis this summer, but BBC Sport have claimed that is not the case as of yet.
They have claimed that though talks have started over triggering the £26million buy-option included in his loan switch, no agreement is in place. It has also been stated that more discussions will be required with Rashford still having two years left on his £325,000-a-week at Old Trafford.
The reports from Spanish news outlet Sport stated that a transfer had been agreed and claimed that the England international would be willing to lower his salary and also sacrifice some bonuses. A three-year contract was reportedly on the table for Rashford.
Barcelona remain in a challenging financial predicament, and thus, it would likely need Rashford to agree to lower wages if he is to join the club beyond his temporary spell. Barca are also weighing up a striker transfer as their marquee signing this summer in order to secure a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski.
He is currently out injured which did provide Rashford with an opportunity through the middle during Wednesday's Copa Del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid. He replaced Ferran Torres in the 65th minute with Barca 2-0 up but 4-2 down on aggregate after a humbling first leg loss to Diego Simeone's side.
Barca scored a third while Rashford was on the pitch, and he did create a chance, but his team were unable to find an elusive fourth, which saw Atletico advance to the final.
Rashford has found minutes hard to come by in recent weeks, with Raphinha and Lamine Yamal now both fit and available.
However, his response to more cameo appearances than starts has been superb, as confirmed by Barca boss Hansi Flick. Back in December, he said: “I try to speak to every player when they are not selected.
"The last time I checked with him he replied me ‘boss, you don’t have to tell me about your decisions. The most important thing is the team. We have to win the three points. The rest is not that important’. This is the perfect mentality. I am so happy to have him.”
Flick certainly seems convinced about Rashford, but the decision may be out of his hands, with it claimed that Michael Carrick would be open to welcoming him back at Old Trafford if he gets the permanent job.
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick looks on
Manchester United interim head coach Michael Carrick spoke about Marcus Rashford's future last month(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Given everything that has happened over the last few years, that scenario actually playing out appears quite unlikely. Carrick himself sat on the fence when asked about Rashford's potential return earlier this season.
He said in February: "It's difficult to say, because circumstances at certain times that I have not been involved in.
"It's difficult for me to comment really. I think the fact he's come through the academy and had such a big impact here is a positive, and as a club, he's had some really big moments and good moments.
"And I've shared some with him in the past. So, football throws up certain things, and obviously certain players. You can't stay here forever, and things happen, that's how it is."