Marcus Rashford is excelling on loan at Barcelona, but the England and Manchester United forward has options in Europe
Marcus Rashford has made his intentions clear regarding a permanent move to Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford has his sights set on Barcelona, despite interest from other major clubs.
The England star is currently on a season-long loan to Barcelona from Manchester United, with the Spanish titans having the option to make the move permanent for £26million next summer. Rashford’s performances and form at Barcelona have attracted attention from other European clubs, with Paris Saint-Germain even being linked after their Champions League encounter.
However, Rashford remains focused on performing well enough to secure a permanent transfer to Barcelona next summer, fulfilling his dream of playing for the Catalan club since his departure from Old Trafford. Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has publicly commended Rashford, and the 27-year-old has also caught the eye of England manager Thomas Tuchel during international duty.
The United loanee made an appearance as a second-half substitute in Thursday’s resounding 3-0 victory over Wales. Rashford will be hoping to start in Tuesday’s match against Latvia, where England could secure qualification for the World Cup if results are in their favour.
He’s been on fire since the last international break, netting a goal in the 5-0 triumph over Serbia. In his most recent eight matches for both club and country, Rashford has delivered four goals and four assists.
His latest goal was scored in Barca’s surprising 4-1 defeat to Sevilla, as the La Liga champions relinquished their hold on first place. Flick praised Rashford’s display following his double strike in the Champions League that secured Barcelona’s 2-1 triumph over Newcastle at St James’ Park last month.
“I am not surprised [by his goals],” Flick commented afterwards. “I think he’s a fantastic player. His skills are unbelievable and his finishing is unbelievable. I think also in the first half, he tried to create chances, but the finishing wasn’t there. In the second half it was.
“For a striker, it’s always good to score. I am really happy. He is an important player. When we spoke before the season about what we needed in the team, we felt we needed a player like him. When we had this chance [to sign him], I said we have to do it. He’s an outstanding player.”
Marcus Rashford has been in fine form for Barcelona(Image: Getty Images)
Rashford has recently made his intentions clear publicly regarding a permanent move to Catalunya. “[I want to stay for] as many [seasons] as possible. We will see,” he revealed to TNT Sports. “I have to focus on trying to do my job and trying to help the team in whichever way I can.”
Rashford continued: “I’m learning a lot, it’s a new style of football,” and “But it’s making me a better player. Honestly, it’s an amazing experience. I’ve always been a huge admirer of Barcelona, every player my age has watched them play, it’s amazing football.”
Meanwhile, Deco, Barca’s sporting director, recently told Mundo Deportivo: “There’s no penalty clause in the loan agreement if we don’t sign him. We do have an option to make it permanent if we want to. It’s too early to talk about decisions for next season; what matters is that we’re happy with him.”
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