Revealed: This is how Barcelona elections will impact Marcus Rashford signing
Barcelona are currently holding presidential elections in a move which could change their stance on signing Marcus Rashford permanently this summer.
Current president Joan Laporta is the favourite to be re-elected, but a decision will not be made until mid-March, casting doubt over their decisions in the meantime.
Meanwhile, Rashford‘s loan from Man United is set to run until the end of the season, when Barcelona will have to make a decision about triggering his option to buy.
As I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Transfer Insider podcast, the elections are not expected to have much impact on the 28-year-old’s future.
While a change in the club’s presidency would provide a potential obstacle, there is still a willingness from all parties to extend his stay at the Camp Nou.
Marcus Rashford expected to extend Barcelona stay
Rashford’s performances for Barcelona mean Hansi Flick is keen to keep him beyond the end of his loan spell as he has become an important part of the side.
Football Insider revealed in December that Rashford is eager to join Barcelona permanently and is enjoying what has proved to be a successful loan spell.
Despite potential changes at the very top of the club, there is expected to be little impact on Rashford, who is expected to play a key part in any success they enjoy.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: “Obviously, these presidential elections are taking place in mid-March and the current supremo Joan Laporta is the favourite to extend his stay as the president of the club.
“If that is the case I would fully expect Marcus Rashford’s move to be made permanent at Barcelona.
“I think there’s a willingness from both the club and the player to extend their stay at the Camp Nou. He’s enjoyed a productive campaign so far.
“He’s helped Barcelona to the top of La Liga, they’re into the next round of the Champions League, they’ve already won the Super Cup and they’re in the Spanish Cup semi-finals as well.
“Barcelona are very happy with Rashford’s output, Joan Laporta is a big admirer of Marcus Rashford, and as I said, if he stays in charge, I would fully expect a deal to be ironed out.
“Although there’s maybe a slight obstacle if Laporta is not re-elected, I still think that Barcelona are keen to do this deal and more importantly Rashford is keen to do the deal as well.”
Rashford’s stance on possible Man United return revealed
Should Barcelona opt against signing Rashford permanently at the end of the season, he will return to Man United alongside potentially a new manager.
However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Rashford has no future at Old Trafford and will leave regardless of Barca’s decision.
The winger has seemingly made the club aware of his stance and they will facilitate his departure, regardless of Ruben Amorim’s exit.
Paris Saint-Germain are also believed to be long-term admirers of the England international and would jump at the opportunity to tempt him to Ligue 1.
However, they look set to miss out at Barcelona are keen to make his move permanent regardless of potential complications between now and the end of the season.
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