Rashford's situation has taken a radical turn in the last few hours, upon learning that he has no option to play at Barça. As no departures occurred, the English forward has moved in time to try to find a new destination and has done so by continuing in the Premier League. His next destination is Aston Villa, which is taking him on loan, paying 70% of his salary and with a purchase option of 40 million.
With this priority option having fallen through, Hansi Flick is clear that he must start using what he has in Barça's squad and has shown it against Alavés. Being available, the German has decided that Ansu Fati continues on the bench instead of being discarded, breaking the usual trend of recent matches. He wants to recover him and considers that he is on the way to achieving it, although the situation is not being easy at all.
Ansu Fati is in a condition to have minutes, but he is still afraid and he has been recently asked to get the fears out of his head. Being much more aggressive playing is the condition set for him to have minutes again, something we could see sooner rather than later. The first step has already been taken by Hansi Flick, keeping him in the squad instead of sending him to the stands against Alavés.
Hansi Flick receives confirmation, the market is already closed for Barça
Barça has been in continuous contact with Marcus Rashford to secure his signing in January, but it hasn't been possible. The fact is that the Englishman did everything on his part, but he already knew that if there were no departures, it would be impossible. This is what has happened, with some operations falling through that would have given him his space in the first team squad.
But the decision is already made: Rashford is going to Aston Villa, and Barça won't make any move. Hansi Flick is happy nonetheless, he trusts his squad and hopes to recover Ansu Fati. The seasons are very long and he needs all the players involved and committed, something that is demonstrated against Alavés.
Ansu Fati has been training well lately and has earned his call-up against Alavés, being able to have minutes from the bench. This wouldn't be news some time ago, but considering his recent constant exclusions, it is something to be valued very positively at FC Barcelona.