Barcelona make FINAL call over Rashford transfer – why it changes everything for Man Utd’s summer

Barcelona have reportedly made their ‘final decision’ over whether they will turn Marcus Rashford’s loan move from Manchester United into a permanent deal.

Rashford has impressed since joining Barca in the summer with 18 goal contributions in all competitions and the Catalans have an option to buy the 28-year-old for around €30 million.

However, despite a desire with both Barcelona and Rashford to continue their relationship, the club’s long-documented financial troubles have led to doubts over whether they can afford to sign the forward permanently.

Rashford’s salary demands have also proven difficult and Barca had been hoping for United to agree a lower fee and also for the player to reduce his wage expectations.

But, according to SPORT, Barcelona have made the ‘unanimous’ decision to activate the option in Rashford’s deal and sign him permanently, having learned that United would not be willing to lower their asking price ‘by a single euro’.

Therefore, it has been agreed that, barring a ‘serious physical setback’ in the remainder of the season, Barca will complete Rashford’s signing on a three-year contract in June.

Rashford agrees to salary drop to push Barcelona transfer through

Barca are said to consider Rashford’s fee a ‘reasonable and affordable price’ given the player’s quality and the ‘astronomical valuations’ of similar players in his position who could become available in the summer.

The club have been impressed with Rashford’s conduct and adaptability in the dressing room and both sporting director Deco and coach Hansi Flick agree that it would be ‘virtually impossible’ to find a player of the England international’s calibre who could also contribute at the same level.

Rashford’s signing is considered ‘manageable’ in Barcelona’s wage structure due to the player agreeing to adjust his salary and take a lower amount in the remainder of his contract at Old Trafford, which has netted him an extra year on his contract in Catalonia.

The only way Barca could secure a lower price for Rashford was if United were interested in any players deemed surplus to requirements at Camp Nou but this scenario is not currently likely.

Barca will now focus their attention on securing a centre-forward and a left-sided centre-back now that their left-winger option is sorted, with the club looking to continue a fruitful relationship with Rashford after a successful season.

Meanwhile, Man Utd can count on the €30m pure profit they will receive from Rashford’s sale while also getting his wages off the books permanently, which could give them a major boost in their pursuit of a new left winger such as Yan Diomande.

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