Front page report Manchester United transfer ‘at risk’ – Huge effort needed for summer move

Manchester United‘s Marcus Rashford is on loan at Barcelona and his future after this season remains uncertain. 

The La Liga winners have agreed a €30m purchase option with Manchester United as part of the loan deal.

On April 1st, we relayed news the buying clause was valid until March 31st, but others were quick to dismiss this claim.

Last week, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that Rashford’s agent Arturo Canales will have a ‘key meeting’ with Barcelona sporting director Deco to discuss his future.

The England international scored 12 goals and contributed 13 assists from 43 matches so far this season.

His La Liga stats are as follows:

• Appearances: 26
• Starts: 15
• Total minutes: 1,442
• Minutes per game: 55
• Goals: 6
• Assists: 6
• Expected Goals: 6.49
• Expected Assists: 4.00
• Big chances created: 6
• Big chances missed: 9

Barca’s concern with Manchester United man

Marcus Rashford and Robert Lewandowski are on the front page of today’s Sport, with ‘at risk’ written in bold.

Within the report, the newspaper state the duo will have a ‘very difficult task’ of extending their stays at Barcelona after this season. Lewandowski’s contract expires in June while the Manchester United owned player is on loan.

In January, Hansi Flick’s side started negotiations to extend the Englishman’s stay and consider the €30m price is a ‘bargain’. However, the issue lies with his salary with the Red Devils.

Sport state the forward earns €18m net per year at Manchester United, which Barcelona clearly can’t afford.

The attacker is open to finding different formulas like spreading his current wages over a long contract or even lowering his salary.

Sport state: ‘No matter how much it is reduced, the total cost of Rashford would be extremely high for a player who has not earned a starting spot.’

Therefore, Barcelona can only retain him through another loan or if Rashford takes a significant pay cut. It’s unclear whether he’s ready to do the latter but the Spanish giants have started look for other wingers.

Manchester United awaiting developments

The Premier League side are waiting for Barcelona’s final decision on Marcus Rashford. In the event the Catalan club decide not to retain him, the player will return to Old Trafford.

Michael Carrick has opened the door for his return while insisting Manchester United are yet to make a decision on his future. They can only take steps if Barcelona were to not buy him.

As things stand, Rashford’s permanent move to the Camp Nou is ‘at risk’.