Marcus Rashford's future at Barcelona could be in jeopardy as the Catalan giants look at a big-money move for Inter Milan's Alessandro Bastoni this summer.
Marcus Rashford has enjoyed his best season yet since his 30-goal season at Manchester United, reaching double figures for both goals and assists during his loan spell in Catalonia.
Rashford has struggled for consistent minutes at Barcelona, but despite this, he has often come up with the goods when called upon, such as his beautiful volley against Espanyol in their last fixture.
The England international has made it pretty clear that he is enjoying life in Spain and would like to continue with Barcelona next season; therefore, it would be bizarre to see him elsewhere next year.
With the option to buy in his contract only costing £26 million, there are not many better options out there for Barcelona. Furthermore, if they wish to maintain their current depth in attack, players like Rashford should be held onto.
Unfortunately for the Catalan side, they may need to part ways with someone high up on the wage bill, and with Rashford currently earning around £230,000 a week, he may be the one to go if he is not willing to lower his demands.
Barcelona have been in huge trouble with La Liga for many years over Financial Fair Play rules, and despite returning to a full Camp Nou next season, current wages will still stand in the way of their transfer business.
Hansi Flick's thoughts on Rashford
According to MEN, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been pleased with Marcus Rashford this season, despite often preferring others ahead of the Englishman, such as Ferran Torres, and even an injured Raphinha in their last match.
“I’m happy for Ferran and also for Lamine’s and Rashford’s goals. The most important thing is to protect the players.
"We’ll be criticised, but we have to manage it. It’s not easy, and sometimes it’s unfair, but it’s part of our job. It’s part of my responsibility. Ferran is in good form, and that’s a good thing.
"It’s not just about pressing with the ball; in the end, you also have to defend. But he’s doing things well and has adapted. We’re going to play against Atletico, and they are good down the wings."
Should United consider a Rashford return?
Marcus Rashford last played for the club over a year ago and left on what seemed like pretty good terms, begging the question of whether Manchester United should give it another go with him, or leave that romance behind.
United are reportedly in the market for a left-sided player this summer, after coping with Matheus Cunha, who is not an out-and-out winger, and Patrick Dorgu, who became a makeshift winger himself before his injury.
The names being thrown around the most currently are Iliman Ndiaye and Morgan Rogers, mainly due to their form and experience in the league.
However, now that Rashford has re-entered good form after earning his spot back in the England set up, and his ex-teammate Michael Carrick has taken charge at United, he may be in the running for a trip down memory lane.