Frenkie de Jong wants Marcus Rashford to stay at Barcelona

As Marcus Rashford's loan at Barcelona nears its end, confidence in him within the squad is growing. Dutch midfielder Frenkie de Jong has openly urged the club's management to sign the English forward on a permanent basis. Under Hansi Flick, Rashford has played a key role in the Catalans' title race and won over the fans. This is according to a report by Goal.com.

In an interview with SPORT, De Jong said: "Yes, he has earned the right to stay with the team. In the minutes he spent on the pitch, he gave us so much: goals, assists, and dangerous attacks. He is a fast player who can pose a real threat to the opponent's defense. I would be very happy if he stayed with us."

The 28-year-old forward's impact in Spain has been undeniable. Rashford has recorded 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions. In particular, his free-kick goal against Real Madrid in El Clásico, scored in the style of Lionel Messi, decided the fate of the title and remains etched in the memory of Barcelona fans.

Rashford himself does not want to return to Manchester and has agreed to a salary cut to make the transfer happen. However, the high price tag set by Manchester United and Barcelona's financial situation are complicating the deal. The club is currently considering a loan extension with a mandatory purchase clause to defer the main payment.