Marcus Rashford could be set for more minutes at Barcelona over the coming weeks after the Manchester United loanee reportedly agreed a permanent transfer to the La Liga club
A Barcelona injury looks to have handed Marcus Rashford a big boost
A Barcelona injury looks to have handed Marcus Rashford a big boost(Image: (Photo by GSI/Icon Sport via Getty Images))
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Marcus Rashford's situation is set to get a chance upfront for Barcelona, following reports that he has agreed to leave Manchester United. The 28-year-old has had a successful loan spell at the Spanish club this season, contributing 10 goals and 13 assists in 35 matches.
However, with both Raphinha and Lamine Yamal available, Rashford's playing time has dwindled recently, and he has started just one of Barcelona's last seven La Liga matches. But with Robert Lewandowski sidelined due to injury, this could soon change.
Spanish publication AS reports that Rashford may have the opportunity to play as a striker, potentially featuring in that position in Tuesday's Copa del Rey semi-final second leg against Atletico Madrid. Whilst they suggest Ferran Torres is likely to continue starting in the role, it's expected that the United loanee will get a chance upfront from the bench.
Since joining the Catalan Club, Rashford has primarily been used on the wing, with only four of his appearances this season across all competitions being as a central striker. His versatility is a key asset and could be one of many reasons why Barcelona seem to have made a decision about his future.
According to Spanish media outlet Sport, an agreement has been reached to sign Rashford permanently in the summer transfer window, following discussions with the player's representatives. According to reports, Barcelona have agreed to pay the £26million purchase option included in his loan deal.
However, for the move to be finalised, Rashford would need to reduce his current salary - which exceeds £300,000 per week - to sign a proposed three-year contract at the Camp Nou. Rashford's agent, Arturo Canales, is in discussions with Barcelona executive Deco to negotiate a change in his wages.
If these talks don't yield a positive result, there's a remote chance that Rashford could be reintegrated at Old Trafford, especially if Michael Carrick secures the head coach role on a permanent basis. When asked about the possibility of Rashford returning last month, Carrick said: "It's difficult to say, because circumstances at certain times that I have not been involved in.
Marcus Rashford in action for Barcelona
Marcus Rashford looks set to join Barcelona on a permanent deal(Image: Getty Images)
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"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."
However, a return to his childhood club seems unlikely given Rashford's glowing appraisal of his time at Barcelona. "I don't see anything here as like a pressure," Rashford told BBC Sport in December.
"It's just, I'm here to play football. It's been amazing. I feel welcome, I feel at home. I've just been enjoying every step of the way."