Rashford initially signed on loan from Manchester United in August, but Barca bosses feared the deal appeared “too good to be true”. The 27-year-old has a proven track record, including leading the Blaugrana to victory at Newcastle in the Champions League, and his history with Barcelona could well extend beyond next summer.
Rashford, permanently loaned to Barcelona?
According to The Sun, Barcelona “would like to use the option” to activate Rashford's £30 million ($40 million) permanent transfer clause from Manchester United when his loan deal expires. The clause includes a fixed fee of £25 million ($33.4 million) plus £5 million ($6.7 million) in bonuses, a price Barca would consider a bargain after the England international's excellent La Liga debut.
Rashford has scored three goals and provided five assists for Barcelona in ten games this season, all in his last seven appearances. Coming off at half-time for his full debut for the Catalan giants, the Manchester United-trained player exploded to score both goals in Barca's Champions League win at Newcastle in September.
The Blaugrana are now considering bringing Rashford back to play alongside Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and company on a permanent basis.
Rashford risk seems to be paying off
Barcelona's move for Rashford was certainly not without risk, as the 65-cap England international commands a high salary and has endured a difficult past few years in Manchester. Rashford has been accused of attitude problems off the field and a lack of fighting spirit within his boyhood club, sometimes mistreated by some media and supporters.
A brief loan spell at Aston Villa in January gave him a taste of life away from Old Trafford, and Rashford dreamed of joining Barcelona this summer. The agreement was complicated: Barça had to free up payroll due to its difficult financial situation. Rashford was therefore under pressure to prove the relevance of his investment. After a difficult start, he begins to do so, leaving the club “ecstatic”.
Barcelona were questioning why United decided to part ways with Rashford, fearing there was “something wrong” for a player of his quality to be on the transfer list. But as is often the case with United's former relegates like Rasmus Hojlund and Antony, the problem could well lie with the Red Devils, as the criticized stars continue to thrive elsewhere.
“I said to Deco in the summer: 'Bring me Rashford, bring me Rashford, please.' “We needed a player like him,” said Hansi Flick.
