Barcelona unlikely to activate permanent purchase option for on-loan star | OneFootball

Marcus Rashford has delivered solid numbers during his loan spell at FC Barcelona so far this season. Having arrived on a temporary deal until the end of the season, the Englishman can be signed permanently for a fee of €30 million.

For a while, it seemed like the Catalans would activate that clause and keep Rashford at the club beyond this season.

However, in recent weeks, his prominence in the team has taken a hit, while concerns also remain over his defensive work rate.

Activation of €30 million clause unlikely

As such, Matteo Moretto on Radio MARCA reports that the chances of Barcelona activating the purchase option of €30 million to sign Rashford have cooled down significantly.

In fact, the journalist even states that the reigning La Liga champions are already looking at alternatives in the market to bolster their left flank.

Rashford, for his part, is keen on staying put at the Spotify Camp Nou and some reports have alleged that a contract agreement is also in place.

Will Rashford stay or return to Man United? (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

The hurdle, then, is that Barcelona are reluctant to meet the €30 million buy clause that was agreed upon with Manchester United at the time of the loan deal last summer.

If there is a way to lower that value or secure him on loan for another season, the Blaugrana could potentially push ahead with a move.

However, with Manchester United unlikely to play ball, the chances of Rashford continuing at Barcelona are starting to diminish, with the player himself understood to be keeping the door open to a return to Old Trafford.

A final decision has not been made yet, with Hansi Flick pausing all transfer decisions until the La Liga title is secured.

Once that is done, it will be interesting to see how Barcelona decide to proceed with Rashford and the buy option in his contract.