Barcelona could sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent transfer at the end of the season after signing the forward on loan from Manchester United in the summer window
Marcus Rashford has been warned he could be sent back to Manchester United from Barcelona. Former England star Chris Waddle insists the 27-year-old cannot afford to drop if he wants to earn a contract to stay at Camp Nou.
Barcelona have the option of signing Rashford permanently for £26m at the end of the season. The Catalan club’s sporting director, Deco, suggested that despite Rashford’s promising start, a decision will not be made until later in the season.
The forward has five goals and seven assists in 13 appearances this season, and provided the ball for Fermin López’s goal against Real Madrid at the weekend. Despite the defeat, Rashford performed well in his debut El Clasico.
Rashford wants to remain in Spain and says playing alongside Pedri and Lamine Yamal would be the “perfect scenario”. However, it is not certain whether his stay will be extended to June next year.
Waddle believes Rashford’s salary could still be an issue and that Barcelona would be reluctant to pay him that much. The former Marseille winger says the Manchester United loanee needs to take his form to the next level.
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Waddle told BOYLE Sports, which offers the best football odds: “The big hurdle in a potential deal would be the player’s salary. Barcelona may not be willing to match Rashford’s current salary. They don’t normally pay at that level so that creates an obstacle.”
“Barcelona have a lot of players available. It remains to be seen whether there are other targets for the left-wing or centre-forward positions or whether other players are lined up for the summer.
“This season will be a crucial one for Rashford. He cannot afford to be inconsistent. To secure a contract with Barça, he must put in an exceptional performance in every game, as if it were a cup final. This is complicated by the transfer fees involved and his current favorable contract, which Barcelona may not want to pay.”
“Clubs may be thinking, ‘We’re paying his wages, but we’ve saved quite a bit of money in terms of transfer fees during the season.’
“If he performs exceptionally, scoring 20 goals and consistently winning man of the match, Barcelona will have no choice but to sign him. But his current performances are just OK, not incredible. It’s essentially a trial period for him as the season progresses.”
“He is trying to secure a contract from a club that is interested but not fully committed. If they have another player in mind, they may send him back.”
“Most top players will soon move to clubs like Real Madrid or Barcelona, so Barcelona may have alternative plans.”
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