Barcelona legend Ronald Koeman has urged the club to activate the £26million buy option in Marcus Rashford's loan deal, insisting that Manchester United have grossly underpriced the forward. Rashford, 28, joined Barcelona on loan from United last summer and has been in scintillating form, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists in 47 appearances across all competitions this season.
On Sunday, Rashford struck a magnificent free-kick to help Barcelona defeat Real Madrid 2-0 and clinch the La Liga title. After the match, the England international admitted he would be interested in prolonging his stay at the Spotify Camp Nou. However, Barcelona are hesitating over triggering the permanent clause due to their stringent financial constraints.
Koeman, a former Barcelona manager, argued that £26m represents exceptional value. He said: 'If Barcelona let him return to Manchester United after this loan, I think they will regret it immensely. Because €30m in the current market for a player with these characteristics, these numbers, this experience... that's a rip-off.'
Rashford has played a pivotal role in Hansi Flick's side winning the Spanish top-flight title for a second consecutive season. He suggested he would remain at Camp Nou if the decision were his, saying: 'I am not a magician, but if I was, I would stay. So we will see.'
Barcelona return to action on Wednesday against Alaves before hosting Real Betis and finishing their season at Valencia.
