Barcelona are unlikely to activate the EUR30 million permanent option in Marcus Rashford's loan from Manchester United, with LaLiga coach Hansi Flick set to have the final say before Monday's deadline, according to ESPN.
Barcelona Face June 15 Marcus Rashford Deadline
ESPN reported that Barcelona have until June 15 to tell Manchester United whether they want to commit to the deal. The option is worth EUR30 million, or $34.8 million, and would be paid in three instalments of EUR10 million.
The Spanish champions have not completely ruled out keeping Rashford, but sources told ESPN there is now growing support inside the club for avoiding another major investment on the left wing.
Barcelona would be open to renegotiating a lower fee or bringing Rashford back on loan for another season. ESPN previously reported, however, that United have no current intention of dropping their demands.
Anthony Gordon Arrival Changes Barcelona Attack Plan
The calculation shifted after Barcelona brought in Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for EUR70 million. Gordon plays in the same left-sided attacking area as Rashford, while Raphinha also operates primarily from the left.
Rashford, 28, gave Barcelona a productive season in Catalonia. ESPN listed him with 14 goals and 14 assists as the club won LaLiga and the Spanish Supercopa.
He also made his preference clear after scoring a free kick in the title-clinching win over Real Madrid in May, saying that if he were a magician he would stay at Barcelona. The line was charming enough; the accounting department still gets a vote.
LaLiga Champions Still Eye Julian Alvarez
Barcelona are also looking at Atletico Madrid forward Julian Alvarez as a possible replacement for the departing Robert Lewandowski. ESPN reported that Real Madrid had a EUR150 million bid for Alvarez rejected by Atletico on Tuesday.
Flick had wanted at least two forwards as part of a summer attacking shake-up, according to ESPN. Gordon is the first, and Barcelona still hope Alvarez can be the second.
That leaves Rashford as a possible third attacking addition, but only if talks with Manchester United move and if Barcelona create enough room through departures or revised terms. For now, the permanent option looks unlikely rather than impossible, which is an awkward but familiar summer-transfer state.