Marcus Rashford keen on making Barcelona loan move permanent
Marcus Rashford confirms he wants to make his Barcelona loan permanent after rediscovering form and happiness away from Manchester United.
New Delhi: Marcus Rashford has made it clear that he wants to continue his journey with Barcelona beyond the end of his loan spell. The Manchester United forward who joined the Spanish club in the summer, has rediscovered his best form and says he feels "at home" in Catalonia.
Barca have the option to make the move permanent for £28 million, which is quite lower than the £40 million United would demand from any other club. Rashford's current contract at Old Trafford runs until 2028, but with Ruben Amorim in charge, his chances of returning to a key role at United appear slim.
While speaking to ESPN, Rashford didn't hide his intentions when he was asked about staying at Camp Nou. "For sure,” he said. "I’m enjoying this football club, and for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player, it’s an honour.”
Rashford thriving in new surroundings
Rashford's decision to leave United seems to have paid off. After a short but encouraging loan stint at Aston Villa last season under Unai Emery, he joined Barcelona in search of consistency and confidence and has quickly found both.
The 27-year-old England forward took his tally to five goals in 12 appearances after netting twice against Olympiakos in the Champions League earlier this week. His form has also earned him a recall to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel. Rashford also looks completely set for his first taste of one of football's biggest rivalries as El Clásico looms this weekend.
Reflecting on his time away from Manchester, he admitted the move came at the right time. "It’s been a big change, but it hasn’t felt big,” Rashford said. "I watched Barcelona for years and always felt if I was to move, this team would be a perfect fit. I’m happy here, and to be part of this group is a special feeling.”
'Sometimes you just need a change'
Rashford has spent virtually his entire life at Manchester United, joining the club's academy as a child. After more than two decades in Manchester, he felt the need for a fresh challenge.
"People forget this, but 23 years of my life was with Manchester United,” he said. "Sometimes you just need a change. Maybe that’s the case with me, and I’m enjoying everything about it.”
The forward admitted that the switch to Spain has reignited his hunger to improve. "It’s a new environment and a new culture. I’ve looked forward to coming here and it hasn’t disappointed. I’m hungry to improve, and I know there’s more to come from me.”
Rashford reveals previous talks with Barca
The Man United forward revealed that Barca's interest in him wasn't new. Talks between the two parties had taken place before also but a deal never materialised until now.
"It’s not the first time I spoke with Barcelona about potentially coming here,” he said. "For whatever reason, it didn’t happen in the past but now is my opportunity to make it happen. I feel like there’s no time like the present.”
For Rashford, the focus is simple to keep improving and make the most of his second chance abroad. "Every day I just take it day by day and try to improve from the day before,” he said. "When you retire, you will miss everything- the good stuff, the bad stuff, so I just want to enjoy every moment.”
As things stand so far, both Rashford and Barcelona seem open to turning this loan move into a permanent one. If the 27-year-old's form continues, few would bet against it happening in the near future.