Barcelona reconsider Marcus Rashford transfer after Champions League exit
Marcus Rashford has jeopardised his chances of securing a permanent transfer to Barcelona after failing to impress during the Catalan club’s Champions League exit.
The 28-year-old is currently on a season-long loan at the Nou Camp following a falling out with former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.
The La Liga leaders possess a £26m option to make his stay permanent at the end of the current campaign.
Champions League struggles
A recent hamstring injury to Raphinha presented the England international with a clear opportunity to cement his place in the starting lineup.
However, the forward delivered a lacklustre performance in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid.
He was subsequently dropped to the bench for the return fixture, with Dani Olmo taking his place as the Spanish giants crashed out 3-2 on aggregate.
It remains uncertain whether the Manchester United loanee will regain his starting spot for this weekend’s league trip to Getafe.
Transfer fee complications
Reports from Spain suggest financial disagreements are also threatening to derail the permanent agreement.
Spanish newspaper Marca claims Barcelona want to pay the agreed £26m clause in instalments rather than a single lump sum.
The Premier League side are reportedly standing firm and refusing to renegotiate their original terms.
Alternative attacking targets
Club sources initially indicated that matching the player’s personal wage demands would not be a stumbling block.
Yet the hierarchy is now reportedly exploring alternative options to bolster their forward line as they prepare for life after Robert Lewandowski.
Pursuing traditional strikers like Victor Osimhen or Dusan Vlahovic would significantly deplete the club’s transfer budget, leaving little room for a natural left-winger.
Should a permanent move to Spain collapse, a return to Old Trafford is no longer out of the question following Amorim’s departure from Greater Manchester.
