What a revelation Marcus Rashford has been at Barcelona.
With a lot to prove heading out to Catalonia, the Manchester United winger has gone ahead and become a massive hit.
Fourteen goals and 14 assists in 48 games: Rashford has been a force to be reckoned with in Spain.
Based on his numbers and performances, Barcelona securing him for the £26 million option to buy they agreed upon when striking his loan deal now looks like an absolute bargain.
But while some feel they are massively underpaying by striking that deal, their tricky financial situation has left them struggling to close it.
Interestingly, the Spanish champions are insisting on a further discount, though INEOS are not willing to lower their demands.
Another loan has been floated, but United are not entertaining that either; they simply want Barcelona to honour the terms already agreed.
So there is, then, something of an impasse.
But Rashford, who is desperate to stay at Barcelona, a desire reinforced by manager Hansi Flick publicly endorsing the transfer, has hatched a plan to give both clubs what they want.
Marcus Rashford’s genius plan
As per Mundo Deportivo:
“Months ago, Rashford already agreed to a three-year personal contract with Barça in case he stayed, which included a significant pay cut. At the club’s offices, there’s reluctance to pay the €30 million because the amortisation of the transfer fee, including the salary, over those three years is very high.
“The only option the player sees is for Barça to cover the entire transfer fee and, in turn, extend his contract to five seasons (2031-2032) at no additional cost. Rashford has already sacrificed 40% of his salary.”
Ball is in Barcelona’s court
It is a genius plan, and one that can certainly work.
Now it may well be up to Barcelona to agree to a five-year deal, and to creatively commit to paying United exactly what they agreed to.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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