Marcus Rashford in transfer twist as future clearer after crucial Barcelona confirmation
Marcus Rashford has been on loan at Barcelona this season and the Spanish giants have an option to make the move permanent for a £26 million fee in the summer.
The future of Manchester United loanee Marcus Rashford may be influenced following Barcelona's presidential election. The striker is presently spending the season on loan with the Catalan club.
The arrangement features an option to secure a permanent transfer for £26million when the summer arrives. Previous reports suggested Barcelona planned to activate the clause, though doubts surrounding the presidential ballot sparked questions about whether that would materialise.
Sunday saw the club's elections conclude, with Joan Laporta securing re-election for another five-year term. "First of all, I want to dedicate a few words of gratitude to this wonderful club we have," he stated following the announcement of the result.
"It's great to see that members can still choose who represents us. This passion is a joy, it makes the club special, so thanks to Barça and all the members that voted today in a display of democracy."
The development appears encouraging for Rashford, as Laporta reportedly placed the England forward at the centre of his manifesto proposals. Earlier this week, Laporta acknowledged that discussions were underway regarding a possible agreement.
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"We could extend the loan further; it depends on what Deco wants," he stated.
"There are formulas, such as paying part of the buy option to Manchester United and figuring out the rest later."
Reports suggest that Barcelona have been in ongoing negotiations with United regarding a deal, but United are standing firm on the price and refusing to modify the agreement to facilitate Rashford's permanent move in the summer. It is reported that retaining Rashford is manager Hansi Flick's main objective.
The re-election of Laporta increases the likelihood that Rashford will remain at Barcelona, compared with if Victor Font had secured the vote. However, potential obstacles could still impede a deal.
Rashford's performance has dipped slightly following a promising start to the season. He was left on the bench during the recent 5-2 victory over Sevilla in La Liga, with his last goal for the club dating back to the end of January.
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