Marcus Rashford is facing an uncertain future ahead of next season, with Barcelona reportedly set to not make his loan deal permanent and a return to Manchester United on the cards
Marcus Rashford celebrates after scoring a goal on loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United(Image: Simon Dael/REX/Shutterstock)
Marcus Rashford is among five players expected to depart Barcelona this summer, with a return to Manchester United looking increasingly likely. Spanish reports indicate that the Catalan club will not be making his loan spell permanent.
Former Villa loan star Rashford faces an uncertain future at Barcelona after the 28 year old striker joined Barca on a season-long loan from United last summer after impressing with a stint at Villa Park.
The forward joined Barcelona on loan from United, with the option for the Spanish giants to sign him outright for £26 million. However, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the club’s intention to exercise that option.
It is understood that Barcelona have attempted to negotiate a reduced fee with United, or alternatively sought to extend Rashford’s loan for another season. United, however, are standing firm on their asking price.
Spanish outlet Marca reports that Rashford is now amongst five players set to leave Barcelona in the summer, having ‘completed a cycle’ at the club. Across his 43 appearances this season, he has netted 12 goals and laid on 13 assists.
Should the England international return to Old Trafford, whoever takes the head coach role will face a significant decision regarding his future — either welcoming him back into the fold in the hope he rediscovers the form that first made him a first-team regular, or seeking a permanent buyer elsewhere, reports the Mirror.
Rashford spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, where he made 17 appearances, contributing four goals and six assists. He has forced his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England setup over the past 12 months and will be hoping to play a prominent role in this summer’s World Cup across North America. The purchase option in Rashford’s Barcelona loan arrangement runs out on June 15, four days after the tournament kicks off.
Alongside Rashford, striker Robert Lewandowski also features on the list. The Polish forward’s contract at the Nou Camp expires this summer, with reports indicating his agents are holding discussions with Juventus.
Frenkie de Jong, Andreas Christensen and Marc Masado are the remaining three players expected to depart the club when the season concludes.
The departures are reportedly part of a strategy to create financial breathing space and offload some of the club’s highest earners to alleviate its ‘financial burden’.
Barcelona have been prevented from finalising transfers in recent campaigns owing to their requirement to satisfy La Liga’s Financial Fair Play regulations. Trimming their wage bill could provide them with additional flexibility in the forthcoming transfer window.