Uncertainty is beginning to surround Marcus Rashford’s long-term future at FC Barcelona, as fresh comments from a leading presidential hopeful cast doubt on the likelihood of a permanent transfer this summer.
Rashford, who is currently on loan at the Catalan club from Manchester United, is said to be open to making his stay in Spain permanent. However, the situation has become more complicated following remarks from both Spain and England.
United’s caretaker manager, Michael Carrick, has reportedly made it clear that he would like to bring the England forward back to Old Trafford if he is confirmed as the club’s permanent head coach at the end of the season.
Adding another layer to the uncertainty, Barcelona presidential candidate Xavier Vilajoana has indicated that the club may reconsider any move to trigger Rashford’s purchase clause if he wins the election.
Speaking to ESPN, Vilajoana stressed the importance of prioritising internal options before looking externally in the transfer market. He pointed to Jan Virgili, currently playing for Mallorca, as an example of a player the club could re-sign instead of committing significant funds to secure Rashford permanently.
“I believe you should always look in-house first,” Vilajoana said, suggesting that activating Virgili’s clause could be a more strategic option than paying Rashford’s transfer fee.
He also emphasised that transfer decisions would not rest solely on the president, noting that discussions would involve multiple stakeholders before any final call is made.
With Rashford keen to remain in LaLiga and Manchester United potentially preparing a recall, the forward’s future now appears likely to depend on both Barcelona’s presidential election outcome and developments at Old Trafford.
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