FC Barcelona did not make many moves in the summer transfer window. They signed Joan Garcia from local rivals Espanyol and brought in Marcus Rashford from Manchester United on loan with a favourable option to buy.
The Catalan club needed to reinforce the left wing after letting Ansu Fati go in the summer. Rashford was identified as the best sporting option, but Barcelona’s financial situation only allowed them to pursue a loan.
This also enabled the 28-year-old to come to Spain and prove himself after a couple of struggling seasons in a Red Devils shirt. Rashford has hit the ground running in a Blaugrana jersey and has impressed one and all.
Now, according to Fichajes, PSG have taken notice of the Englishman’s performances this season. They are willing to pay up to €50 million to sign the player from Manchester United, despite knowing that Barcelona have a buy option on him.
The Catalan club has a buy option of around €30 million to make the move permanent. If he continues performing as he has so far, there is no reason why Barcelona would not want to keep him. It is almost impossible to get such quality at such a price with experience at the highest level.
In many ways, the stars have aligned for Rashford at Barcelona. Initially, Lamine Yamal was injured, allowing him an extended run as a starter, and when the Spaniard returned, Raphinha was sidelined for a couple of months.
It is one thing to be handed an advantage and another to take it with both hands. That is exactly what the Englishman did. The key now is to keep the momentum going through the campaign.
With Raphinha and Lamine returning, Rashford may not get as many minutes as before. He might be used as a substitute to replace one of them, but he can also be tried as a No. 9.
This is one of the big advantages with the Manchester United forward. His versatility allows him to play different roles, and Hansi Flick will look to use it to his advantage at a time when fixtures are coming thick and fast.
Everything points to Rashford continuing at Barcelona, should the finances permit. He is in the prime of his career and would be an excellent long-term acquisition. The Catalan club has first preference, and it does not matter whether PSG or any other club is interested.
Furthermore, confidence around the team is growing as performances improve, and key players return, and Barcelona are now 11/8 to win La Liga in Betway’s latest football odds, which reflects the increasing belief that Hansi Flick’s side can compete for the title this season.
