Barcelona have been given a deadline to decide whether or not they want to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal. Rashford, 28, has two months remaining on his season-long loan in Spain, after he was acquired from Manchester United last summer. The two European powerhouses negotiated an option to buy worth £26million, which officials at the Camp Nou are yet to reach a conclusion on.
With 10 goals and 10 assists to his name, the England international has been a valuable asset in Hansi Flick’s attack. However, according to reports, Barcelona are exploring alternatives and have enquired with United about extending his loan. The Red Devils, conversely, won’t negotiate the arrangement, with ESPN reporting that the La Liga champions have until June 15 to activate their purchase option.
It’s added that if Barcelona were to exercise that option, they could settle it in three instalments over the next three years. Rashford’s representatives are said to have been in contact with Barcelona over the last few days in order to establish the club’s position.
Last month, before being re-elected as Barca president, Joan Laporta told Spanish outlet Jijantes: “We could extend the loan further, it depends on what (sporting director) Deco wants.
“There are options: include part of the purchase option with United and we’ll see about the rest. We’re studying the deal.”
But United have no intention of relenting and will only consider a permanent sale. If Barcelona refuse to stump up the fee and another purchaser can’t be located, Rashford would return to Old Trafford for pre-season training after this summer’s World Cup.
The forward is determined to remain at Barcelona, though, and told Catalan newspaper Sport back in December: “It’s the ultimate goal, but it’s not the reason I’m training hard and giving my all. The purpose is to win. Barca is a huge, fantastic club, built to win titles.”
Rashford is set to be handed more minutes over the coming weeks after Raphinha sustained a hamstring injury while on international duty with Brazil. The United loanee’s finest spell came when Raphinha was injured earlier this season, allowing Rashford to feature on the left wing of a front three.
Barcelona’s next fixture is away to Atletico Madrid, who they’ll also face in the Champions League quarter-finals, on Saturday.