Marcus Rashford transfer update from Barcelona team-mate | Football | Sport

Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona team-mate Frenkie De Jong has made abundantly clear just how highly the Manchester United loanee is regarded at the club, as a decision over his long-term future draws ever closer. Rashford has spent the season in Spain following a tough spell under former head coach Ruben Amorim.

Hansi Flick’s side hold the option to sign the 28-year-old for £26million this summer, though Barca are reportedly keen to extend Rashford’s loan for a further season in order to secure him for a reduced fee in the summer of 2027. There has also been speculation emerging from Spain suggesting the La Liga giants are eager to negotiate a lower price to sign Rashford permanently at the end of the current campaign.

“A really good guy,” De Jong told The Guardian when asked about Rashford, leaving no doubt about the forward’s importance to the side.

“Open and kind and he’s also having a big impact for us on the pitch. With his speed and depth, he really adds a lot to our game.

“And by doing so, he also forces the opponent’s defence to drop back a bit, which creates more space for us in the middle.”

Rashford has already made clear his wish to remain in Spain, having previously stated: “Oh yeah, for sure. I’m enjoying this football club and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour.”

From United’s standpoint, Barcelona have been told they will need to pay the full £26million option should they wish to sign the forward permanently, with no willingness on their part to accept a reduced fee.

Following their Champions League qualification confirmed by Saturday’s 3-2 victory over Liverpool, United are now concentrating on maximising any incoming revenue to strengthen the money available for the summer transfer window.

United reportedly have no plans in place to bring Rashford back into the squad, even should former team-mate Michael Carrick continue as head coach into next season.

Rashford, who has delivered 13 goals and 14 assists this campaign, could become a La Liga champion if Barca avoid defeat against Real Madrid next Sunday. Flick’s side need just one point to establish an advantage over Madrid, who beat Espanyol 2-0 on Sunday, while Barca hold an 11-point cushion over Alvaro Arbeloa’s side with four matches left to play.