Marcus Rashford is on a season-long loan at Barcelona with the Spanish giants, who hold a £26m option to make the move permanent this summer
Marcus Rashford during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Athletic Club and FC Barcelona.
Marcus Rashford is on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United. (Image: Juan Manuel Serrano Arce, Getty Images)
View 2 Images
The future of Manchester United's Marcus Rashford could be influenced by the outcome of Barcelona's presidential election. The forward is currently on a season-long loan with the Spanish heavyweights.
The agreement includes an option to make the transfer permanent for a fee of £26million in the summer. It has been previously reported that Barcelona plan to activate this clause, however, uncertainty surrounding the presidential elections has sparked speculation about whether this will happen, especially for that fee.
The club's elections took place on Sunday, resulting in Joan Laporta being re-elected for the next five years. "First of all, I want to dedicate a few words of gratitude to this wonderful club we have," he said upon the announcement of the result.
"It's great to see that members can still choose who represents us.
"This passion is a joy, it makes the club special, so thanks to Barça and all the members that voted today in a display of democracy."
This development appears to bode well for Rashford, as Laporta is said to have the England international central to his plans outlined in his manifesto. Earlier this week, Laporta confirmed that work was underway on a potential deal.
"We could extend the loan further; it depends on what Deco wants," he stated.
"There are formulas, such as paying part of the buy option to Manchester United and figuring out the rest later."
Marcus Rashford during the Spanish league, LaLiga EA Sports, football match played between FC Barcelona and Sevilla FC.
Marcus Rashford was an unused substitute for Barcelona against Sevilla over the weekend. (Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
View 2 Images
Reports suggest Barcelona have been in negotiations with United over a deal, but United are refusing to reduce the fee or restructure the arrangement to make Rashford's transfer permanent in the summer.
It's claimed that retaining Rashford is manager Hansi Flick's primary objective.
Laporta's re-election makes Rashford remaining at Barcelona appear more probable than if Victor Font had secured victory in the ballot. Nevertheless, it appears an agreement could still encounter obstacles.
Following an encouraging start to the campaign, Rashford's performances have dipped somewhat. This weekend saw him remain on the bench throughout the 5-2 victory over Sevilla in La Liga, with his most recent goal for the club arriving at the end of January.