With Marcus Rashford securing a season-long loan deal to Barcelona, the club’s president has hinted at where the forward’s future could lie after his loan deal expires.
Having fallen out of favour at his boyhood since Ruben Amorim took charge in November of last year, Marcus Rashford has finally completed a move to La Liga giants, Barcelona.
Rashford endured a tough couple of seasons at Manchester United, with his inconsistent form and off-pitch drama leading him to make a move to Premier League side Aston Villa on loan in the January transfer window, where he showed flashes of brilliance before picking up an injury.
Although Aston Villa chose not not make the loan deal permanent, the writing was already on the wall for Rashford when he returned to Old Trafford, with new signing Matheus Cunha taking his number 10 shirt.
The 27-year-old has made it clear for a while that Barcelona would be his dream destination, and after a couple of months of negotiating, he has finally got his move. Despite it being another loan deal, a buy option of £30 million is included in the deal.
Rashford’s could be permanent next year
Barcelona have had a good transfer window so far, signing the highly talented goalkeeper Joan Garcia, and the arrival of Rashford.
Barcelona’s president, Joan Laporta, expressed his delight at the signing of the 27-year-old, and in a recent interview with MundoDeportivo, he dropped a potential hint at Rashford’s future.
The Spaniard explained that manager Hansi Flick had requested extra firepower for his starting XI, and that they feel that Rashford is the player who can provide this, suggesting they are planning for the winger’s addition to be a long-term one.
“Our main interest and obsession was to keep the team from last season, because it was historic,” Laporta said. “We wanted to maintain that team spirit with the players we had, which is why many offers that have been received have not even been considered. “
“The coach asked us for more firepower up front. With Marcus Rashford, we have it. And Deco’s vision of what could happen with Marc-André has been fundamental to strengthen the goal very well. Joan Garcia is doing some spectacular training sessions and will please Barça.”
Rashford move could be made permanent
Manchester United isn’t the only club that has gone through financial difficulties. Barcelona themselves went through financial turmoil recently and have been fortunate that a host of La Masia products have turned into starters, with the likes of Lamine Yamal, Gavi, and Pau Cubarsi all becoming extremely exciting prospects.
Barcelona are seemingly only able to bring in Rashford and Garcia this window, with Laporta’s main goal being to avoid losing key players, rather than signing new ones, and confirmed that the current plan is for no more signings.
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Marcus Rashford will provide both versatility and depth across the front line, being able to cover for any injuries to wingers and play through the middle to offer support to an ageing Robert Lewandowski.
The 27-year-old will be eager to revive his career ahead of the 2026 World Cup, and if he comes good at the Catalan giants, making his loan deal permanent next summer for £30 million could prove to be good business.
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