Marcus Rashford underlined why Barcelona are so desperate to sign him permanently after another outstanding performance on Sunday.
The Manchester United loanee received a standing ovation from Barca fans after scoring again in a 3-1 win over Elche.
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The 28-year-old has taken his tally in all competitions to six goals and seven assists in 14 games this season.
His form was rewarded by England coach Thomas Tuchel, who also named him in the youngest squads ahead of the World Cup.
This is a far cry from the latter stages of his United career, which saw the striker fall out of favor under head coach Ruben Amorim.
He was then loaned out to Aston Villa for the second half of the 2024/25 season before moving to Barca last summer.
Read more about Marcus Rashford
Rashford agreed to a pay cut to make his dream move happen, with Barcelona paying his entire salary.
The 66-time England international will receive around 10 million euros [£8.6m] gross, including bonuses – a huge reduction from his £16.9m annual salary at United.
Barcelona WILL sign Rashford in the summer
The Pitch Prospect understands Barcelona will have the option to make his move permanent for around £30m at the end of the season.
European football expert Andy Brassell has revealed that they plan to do just that – assuming Rashford accepts further salary adjustments.
“Yes, they are apparently going to make an honest man out of him and not just ask him to borrow for another year, which I always suspected for obvious financial reasons,” he told Danny Kelly’s Trans Euro Express podcast.
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“I mean, considering what he actually produced there, it’s a no-brainer to want to keep him. He was absolutely brilliant.
“I think that the fact that Raphinha was injured and was a regular presence in the crowd or on the sidelines and was innocently in the starting XI after the Clásico gave him a little more leeway.
“But you see, Rashford has fitted in really well. Hansi Flick is very happy with him. He scored another great goal, a great left-footed finish from an angle to end the game against Elche, which they eventually won 3-1.”
“Moose, tougher resistance than it might seem on paper.
And they have Iñaki Peña in goal, the former Barcelona goalkeeper who played a really good game [on Sunday]I thought.
“And look, he fits well with their best players. He fits well with Lamine Yamal, he fits really well with Fermín [López] as well as.
“Barca seem to score goals with Marcus Rashford in the team. It’s as simple as that.”
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Barcelona make Rashford contract demand
Rashford has made no secret of his desire to extend his stay in Catalonia after recently blaming the “inconsistent environment” at Old Trafford for his career difficulties.
“I think mutual happiness in the relationship so far is very important,” Brassell added.
“The fact that Rashford is interested in how he is doing here, particularly with a view to England and the World Cup next summer.
“But from his perspective, maybe it feels like there’s enough distance for him to put his head down and get on with the game without needing, I think, even a microscopic amount of attention.
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“Working with Hansi Flick is clearly a real bonus. Barcelona have an option that is estimated to be around 30, 35 million euros.
“As we have highlighted, Barcelona don’t have a lot of money, but considering they could amortize that over the life of the contract, then they plan to give Rashford another pay cut if he accepts it.”
“Of course he’s already taken a pay cut to go there, but he speaks their language and I don’t mean Catalan.
“And I think the plan is for them to give him a longer contract with the same money he’s currently getting.
“So the way it works is that it’s spread out over a longer period of time so it works financially as well.
“And look, long may it continue like this. It’s good for England, it’s good for him and we want to see him do his stuff.”
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It’s not about the money for Rashford
Speaking in June ahead of his loan move, Rashford highlighted his ability to play as a striker to showcase his versatility.
The Man United academy graduate has since willingly given up some bonuses and image rights, which make up around €10 million a year in his salary package, to facilitate his move to Barca.
This comes amid the LaLiga giant’s latest financial reports, which reveal the club has racked up a staggering £138million transfer debt.
Brassell admitted that pay cuts don’t usually go down well with people – especially when they’re playing at Rashford’s level – but the winger has proven it’s about more than just the money.
He added: “I always feel like when you talk to footballers and when you talk to people close to footballers, it doesn’t really matter the exact weight or Euro knowledge.
“It’s not the money, it’s the respect it conveys.
“Actually, if you take a small pay cut to play for Barcelona, you play for Barcelona.
“It gives you incredible status among your peers.
“Already it feels like he’s getting healthier, even if it means he may have to take a small financial hit.”