Just in: Barcelona intend to exercise €30 million buy option for Manchester United loanee | OneFootball

In a major development, journalist Alfredo Martinez reports that Barcelona intend to sign on-loan Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford permanently.

The information comes from the club’s media briefing, wherein it has been relayed that the Blaugrana wish to exercise the €30 million buy option for the England international.

The same has been relayed to the forward’s representatives, with talks expected to begin in the coming weeks.

Rashford closer to staying than leaving

Barcelona signed Rashford on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United in the summer, with a permanent purchase clause as mentioned above.

The 28-year-old forward has settled in well at the club and has performed very well more often than not, despite there being some drawbacks in his game.

In terms of numbers, Rashford has played 23 official matches, scoring seven goals and providing nine assists, figures that confirm his immediate impact on the team.

Set to continue at Barcelona? (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Beyond the statistics, he has contributed a great deal of attacking penetration, becoming a reliable option both as a starter and as a player capable of changing games from the bench.

The English forward has convinced both the coaching staff and the sporting management thanks to a solid and consistent level of performance since his arrival.

With Manchester United getting rid of Ruben Amorim recently, the possibility that Rashford could still return to Old Trafford at the end of the season was raised.

However, as things stand, it appears that he is closer to staying at Barcelona than returning to England, with the Catalans willing to activate his €30 million purchase clause.

A final decision on the matter will be made later in the season, based on a more comprehensive assessment of his performances as well as the club’s financial situation. But, at the moment, things are looking up for Rashford.