Marcus Rashford lines up permanent move to Barcelona after prolific start to life with La Liga champions

Rashford, who struggled for form in the last two seasons at Old Trafford, looked like a completely different player once he signed for Barcelona on a loan deal. Under Hansi Flick's tutelage, the English forward rediscovered his game and has already established himself as a regular starter. Rashford has appeared in 10 matches across all competitions for Barcelona, where he scored three goals and provided eight assists. Out of the three goals he has scored, two of them came against Newcastle United in the Champions League to help them beat the Magpies.  

After the game, Flick had heaped praises on the loanee as he had said: "I am not surprised [by his goals]. I think he's a fantastic player. His skills are unbelievable and his finishing is unbelievable. I think also in the first half, he tried to create chances, but the finishing wasn't there. In the second half, it was. For a striker, it's always good to score. I am really happy. He is an important player. When we spoke before the season about what we needed in the team, we felt we needed a player like him. When we had this chance [to sign him], I said we have to do it. He's an outstanding player." 

After displaying tremendous form at the Catalan club in the last one month, Rashford has attracted interest from several top European clubs, including reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain, who are keen on signing the Englishman. However, according to The Mirror, Rashford is happy at Barcelona and would love to sign a permanent deal and realise a childhood dream of playing for the reigning Spanish champions.    

After completing the loan move to Barcelona in the summer, Rashford regained his place in the England national team, as he has now been called up to the Three Lions squad in the back-to-back international windows in September and October. During last month's international break, Rashford scored a stunning goal in England's 5-0 drubbing of Serbia and in their latest 3-0 win over Wales in a friendly earlier this week, Rashford impressed with his performance as a second-half substitute. He will now hope to make it to Tuchel's starting lineup in their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Latvia in Riga on Tuesday night. England could very well secure a place in next year's World Cup if they beat Latvia and other results in the group go in their favour. Rashford would want to contribute to his nation's qualification to the World Cup and also remain in contention to earn a place in Tuchel's squad for the tournament next summer.      

Once Rashford returns from national duty, the United outcast could be utilised in a new role by Flick at Barcelona. Mundo Deportivo reported earlier this month that the 27-year-old is set for a key new role at the Catalan club as the German coach is determined to make a tactical change after back-to-back defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla. Flick’s blueprint involves Rashford spearheading the attack instead of an ageing Robert Lewandowski, with Raphinha on the left, Lamine Yamal on the right, and Fermín Lopez just behind them.  

That trio, though, has all been nursing injuries, and their fitness will determine when the new system debuts. The manager is already eyeing Barcelona’s next fixtures as a testing ground. The first could be Girona on October 18 at Montjuic, followed by a crucial Champions League clash against Olympiacos on the 21st. If all goes well, the real test will come a week later, El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu on October 26.