Despite Marcus Rashford’s fantastic form at Barcelona, there have been doubts about whether the club will exercise their buy-option agreement with Manchester United.
Manchester United have undergone major changes in their forward line after significant investment was made to sharpen Rúben Amorim’s attacking options.
Supporters witnessed the high-profile arrivals of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško as the club aimed to add the clinical edge that was missing last season, which ended with a disappointing 15th-place finish in the Premier League.
Marcus Rashford was absent for the second half of United’s campaign after joining Aston Villa on loan, where he gained crucial minutes in both the Premier League and the Champions League.
He impressed in several games, particularly in the home fixture against Paris Saint-Germain, even though the result did not go his way.
Rashford then moved to Barcelona on loan in the summer, and United set his buy option at a surprisingly low £26 million, despite his clear ability to create and produce moments of brilliance with the ball.
Doubts emerging surrounding Rashford sale
Rashford has six goals and nine assists in 17 appearances at the Catalan giants this season, having produced the most assists of any player in Europe’s top five leagues.
Despite the £26 million option to buy being a clear bargain for Barcelona, according to The Athletic, it remains unclear whether they will want to trigger the clause at the end of the season.
The report states that there has been no indication yet that the club will move forward with a permanent signing for a player who will be 29 next October, with Barcelona focused on moving on to the next generation.
With veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, 37, set to leave this summer and star winger Raphinha, 28, fielding multiple offers from the Saudi Pro League, the La Liga club are considering a huge revamp of their front line.
PSG eyeing possible Barcelona bid
If Barcelona do not trigger their option to buy Rashford this summer, the winger will head back to Old Trafford, although it’s not expected that he will be reintegrated into Amorim’s squad.
According to Mundo Deportivo, amid the uncertainty surrounding Rashford’s situation, French giants PSG are keeping close tabs on the England international.
Should Rashford return to United, the club would no doubt demand a transfer fee of well above £26 million following his sparkling form, and PSG are said to have set aside around £43.7 million for a possible deal.
With Barcelona in no rush to make a final call on Rashford’s future, United may be hoping they opt against a permanent transfer if other clubs are lining up to bid above the £26 million clause.
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