Barcelona 'really shocked' by Marcus Rashford as La Liga giants make decision on permanent transfer from Man Utd

Reported by The Sun, Barcelona "want to take up the option" to trigger Rashford’s £30 million ($40m) permanent transfer clause from Manchester United once his loan deal expires. The clause includes a £25m ($33.4m) fixed fee plus £5m ($6.7m) in add-ons, a price Barca reportedly view as a bargain after the England international’s strong start to life in La Liga.

Rashford has scored three goals and bagged five assists for Barcelona in ten matches so far this season, all of which have come in his last seven appearances. The United academy product was taken off at half-time on his full debut for the Catalan giants but burst into life as he scored both goals in Barca’s Champions League win at Newcastle in September.

La Blaugrana are now considering the idea of bringing Rashford back to star alongside Lamine Yamal, Raphinha and Co on a permanent basis.

Barcelona’s move for Rashford was certainly not short on risk, as the 65-cap England international commands high wages and had endured a difficult final couple of years in Manchester. Accusations of attitude issues off the pitch and a lack of fight for his boyhood club were thrown the way of Rashford, who was at times harshly treated by sections of the media and fans.

A brief loan transfer to Aston Villa in January was a taste of life away from Old Trafford, and Rashford had his heart set on a move to Barcelona this summer. The deal had its complications as Barca needed to free up space on the wage bill due to their stretched financial situation, meaning there will have been pressure on Rashford to deliver and prove their investment right. After a shaky start, he is certainly beginning to do so, leaving the club "ecstatic".

Barcelona were wary of United’s reasons for wanting to let Rashford go, fearing there must be "something wrong" for a player of his quality to be on the transfer list. But as has often been the case with ex-United rejects such as Rasmus Hojlund and Antony, it might just be the Red Devils which are the problem as criticised stars continue to thrive elsewhere.

"Barcelona had an issue with signing Marcus initially, which was the club’s financial situation. But they also thought United were playing a game because they were willing to let him go," a source told The Sun.

"They thought it was too good to be true - there must be something wrong with him. His brother Dwaine persuaded them there was nothing wrong - and that he wasn’t going to mess them about. Barca are now really shocked that they could sign him for what they see as a bargain."

It has been revealed that Barca manager Hansi Flick urged the club’s sporting director Deco to sign Rashford last summer.

"I told Deco in the summer, ‘Bring me Rashford, bring me Rashford, please’. We needed a player like him," said Flick.

Rashford’s Barcelona career is still in its infancy, and he must continue to impress if he is to secure a permanent move next year. This campaign could prove a huge one for the Englishman’s career. Not only is there the World Cup on the horizon next summer, Rashford has never won a league title in his career and will hope to do so with Barca, in addition to challenging in the latter stages of the Champions League. Should things go to plan, he could get his hands on the biggest silverware of his career so far.

Then there is the small matter of the World Cup, for which Rashford will hope to be on the plane under Thomas Tuchel. Rashford came on as a substitute during England’s friendly victory over Wales on Thursday and will hope to start against Latvia next up.