Marcus Rashford netted a brilliant goal against Atletico Madrid for Barcelona on Saturday evening, as his future hangs in the balance.
Marcus Rashford left Manchester United in the summer on a season-long loan deal for Barcelona after being named in Rúben Amorim's five-man "Bomb Squad" alongside Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho.
The England international has impressed in Catalonia, with 11 goals and 10 assists to his name this campaign in 40 appearances, many of which have come from the bench.
United included a £26 million buy option into the loan contract available to Barcelona should they wish to purchase Rashford at the end of his deal. Recent reports suggested that the buy option expired in March, but it has now been confirmed that it has not expired.
Last season, Rashford spent six months on loan at Aston Villa after a disagreement with then-manager Rúben Amorim. Despite Michael Carrick now being at the helm, it seems Rashford wants to remain in Spain.
Hansi Flick breaks silence on Rashford's future
Reports have been frequent regarding Rashford's future, but Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has stayed quiet for the most part.
But Rashford's brilliant goal against Atletico Madrid on Saturday evening led the press to ask about his thoughts on the United loanee.
"I’m very happy with Marcus," he said. "He has shown his quality, and he scored an important goal.
"I can’t say anything about his future; we have to focus on the matches until the end of the season."
Flick's silence on Rashford's future may not be a good sign for many, but managers can let it slip early if they are not planning to negotiate for a permanent deal, especially if the buy option is too much.
But Rashford's cheap £26 million buy option is very low for a player of his quality, especially when he is starting important games for one of the best sides in world football.
United must push for more
Unfortunately, it does seem as if Rashford has played his final game in United red and scored his final goal in front of the Stretford End for the club, but that does not mean United have to settle for a low fee.
Barcelona are likely to attempt to negotiate a lower fee for Rashford, given its financial difficulties in recent years, but United should not feel forced into accepting it.
Rashford is clearly happy in Barcelona, but that is not to say he would not feel happy in another Spanish city, or in Italy, or France, or any other country where clubs may be interested in the former No.10 and willing to pay a higher fee.
Ultimately, it is down to Barcelona. If they do not pay the £26 million, they will not get Rashford. Even if they stall in negotiations, Rashford may look elsewhere to find a club more desperate to have his signature.