Ronald Koeman has urged Barcelona to trigger the £26 million buy option in Marcus Rashford's loan deal, insisting Manchester United have undervalued the forward.
Rashford, 28, joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United last summer and has impressed with 14 goals and 14 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions. On Sunday, he scored a stunning free-kick in Barcelona's 2-0 win over Real Madrid, securing the La Liga title. He played 64 minutes before being substituted for Raphinha.
After the match, Rashford hinted he would like to stay at Camp Nou, but Barcelona are hesitant due to financial constraints. Koeman, a former Barcelona manager, believes the club must act decisively.
Koeman's Verdict
Koeman told Spanish outlet AS: "If Barcelona let him return to Manchester United after this loan, I think they will regret it immensely. Because €30m (£26m) in the current market for a player with these characteristics, these numbers, this experience... that's a rip-off."
He added: "Rashford hurts teams. Madrid looked terrified every time he turned and ran. Against Real Madrid, he completely destroyed them on the counter-attack. The speed, the aggression, the directness, the confidence – Madrid couldn't handle him. Every time Barcelona advanced, he was the danger."
Koeman continued: "He scores a free kick in El Clasico, stretches the entire defensive line, creates numerical advantages, presses, gets in behind the defence, and yet there are people within the club who hesitate to pay €30m? That seems insane to me."
Rashford's Form and Future
Rashford has been in scintillating form recently, with four goals and one assist in his last six La Liga appearances. He played a key role in Barcelona winning the Spanish top-flight title for a second consecutive season.
When asked about his future, Rashford said: "I don't know. I am not a magician, but if I was, I would stay. So we will see."
Former Manchester United striker and La Liga pundit Terry Gibson also believes Barcelona would "love" to keep Rashford if they can structure a deal within their financial limits.
Barcelona next face Alaves on Wednesday, followed by Real Betis and Valencia to close the season.
