Barcelona are reportedly keen to make Marcus Rashford a permanent part of their squad after an impressive loan spell from Manchester United.
The 28-year-old has been turning heads in LaLiga since joining the Catalan giants last July, with an option for a £26million permanent transfer.
Rashford’s move came after he fell out of favor under then-United boss Ruben Amorim, who is now no longer at the club.
Despite the rocky start at Old Trafford, the England international has found his rhythm in Spain, netting seven goals and providing 11 assists in 26 appearances under Hansi Flick.
Barcelona currently sit four points clear at the top of LaLiga, and Rashford has expressed how happy he is living and playing in Catalonia.
United’s Position on Rashford’s Future
Although Amorim’s departure has stirred speculation about Rashford’s future at Manchester United, sources say the decision to let him leave was more complex than just the manager’s opinion.
According to The Athletic, United expected more from one of their top earners, and the club’s stance on Rashford hasn’t changed even after Amorim left.
The former academy graduate’s exit was seen as a mutual necessity at the time, with the club seeking consistency that Rashford struggled to maintain during a turbulent period at Old Trafford.
Talks for a Permanent Deal
Reports indicate Barcelona are now looking to secure Rashford on a permanent basis.
His agent recently met with Barcelona’s sporting director Deco at the club’s hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where discussions about his future reportedly took place.
Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo also noted that Barca might want Rashford to improve certain aspects of his game, like defensive work and pressing, before finalizing a permanent contract.
There’s also speculation that the club could negotiate a reduced transfer fee.
Spanish Super Cup Spotlight
Rashford is set to feature for Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final against El Clasico rivals Real Madrid in Jeddah this Sunday.
Barcelona smashed Athletic Club 5-0 in the semi-final, where Rashford started on the bench.
The tournament, hosted in Saudi Arabia, has been backed financially by the Middle Eastern country to bring the high-profile match overseas.
Rashford Embraces the Barcelona Challenge
In a recent interview with Spanish outlet Sport, Rashford opened up about his ambitions at Barcelona.
“Of course this is what I want,” he said when asked about his long-term future, emphasizing that winning trophies is his main motivation.
He added, “Barcelona is a fantastic club, known for winning, and the pressure here is something I look forward to. It motivates me to push every day.
From the minute I arrived, I felt welcome. I’m here to help the team win trophies and contribute to the club’s success.”
Early Promise and Challenges at Manchester United
Rashford rose through Manchester United’s academy and debuted under Louis van Gaal in 2016, quickly becoming one of the club’s brightest prospects.
However, six managerial changes and inconsistent form later in his career made it difficult for him to fully realize his potential at Old Trafford.
After scoring 30 goals in Erik ten Hag’s debut season, Rashford’s form dipped, and Amorim’s arrival marked a turning point.
The Portuguese manager struggled to integrate Rashford into his system, eventually sidelining him along with other first-team players.
Amorim’s Controversial Comments
Amorim openly admitted his difficulties working with Rashford, stating, “Sometimes you have one player who is really good with one coach and with another coach is different. I just wish the best to Rashford.”
The England international was relegated to United’s so-called “bomb squad,” training separately from the main squad alongside Antony, Jadon Sancho, Alejandro Garnacho, and Tyrell Malacia.
Amorim even suggested he would prefer his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach over Rashford if the player didn’t give his maximum effort.
“You can see on the bench we miss a bit of pace,” Amorim said.
“But I would put [Jorge Vital] before a player who doesn’t give the maximum every day.”
What’s Next for Rashford?
With his form back on track and happiness in Barcelona, all eyes are on whether the Catalan giants will secure Rashford permanently.
The winger’s focus remains on helping the team win trophies, and if his current performances are anything to go by, a permanent stay in Spain seems increasingly likely.
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