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Marcus Rashford called his spectacular free kick against Real Madrid "the perfect way" to "end" his time at Barcelona, in the clearest indication yet that his future will likely take him away from Catalonia.
The Manchester United loanee netted his 14th goal of the campaign to open the scoring in a title-sealing Clásico win at Camp Nou on Sunday evening. Rashford has also contributed 14 assists across all competitions during a largely impressive loan stint.
However, the financial demands of a permanent transfer for the England international—as much as his on-field contributions—appear to have put Barcelona in a difficult position. It has been widely reported that the newly crowned league champions will not activate the $35.3 million (£26 million, €30 million) purchase option in Rashford's loan agreement.
Barça are believed to be interested in exploring other avenues, such as a second loan spell or renegotiating the transfer fee. United, however, are reportedly unwilling to entertain any changes to the original terms, especially with a number of other clubs already showing interest.
Rashford has remained guarded on the subject since Barcelona's reluctance to make his move permanent became apparent. When asked about his future immediately after Sunday's high-profile match, he appeared calm and composed.
"This is the perfect way I want it to end," Rashford told ESPN. "I'm very happy, I just want to enjoy today. I live in the moment. At the end of the season we will see. I came here to win and we do this, so I'm very happy. It's an incredible feeling."
Rashford: 'I Am Not a Magician'
While his next destination remains unclear, there is little question about where Rashford would prefer to be. "I am not a magician, but if I was, I would stay," he told reporters on Sunday. "We will see.
"I came here to win. I want to win as many things as I can. This is one more to add to the list. This is a fantastic team, they're going to achieve so much in the future; to be a part of that would be something special."
Regrettably, he could provide no definitive answer. "I don't know," was his only response to direct questions about whether he would be remaining at Barcelona.
What Next for Marcus Rashford?
Rashford's immediate priority was made clear by Hansi Flick. "We want to reach 100 points," Barcelona's head coach declared. "It's still possible. This is the next goal."
The league champions must win their final three matches to equal the all-time points record in La Liga history. Rashford is expected to play a key role in the closing stages of the season while Lamine Yamal continues his recovery from a hamstring problem. The World Cup with England then awaits, where he could well earn a starting berth under Thomas Tuchel, before attention turns to his next club.
Rashford still has two years remaining on his Manchester United contract, which is set to come with an increased salary following the club's Champions League qualification. Michael Carrick has left the door open for his former teammate to return, though the club's financial decision-makers may prefer to sell such an expensive asset.
There should be no lack of suitors for a 28-year-old winger who has contributed a goal or assist every 87 minutes during a title-winning season at Barcelona. Arsenal and Bayern Munich have both been linked with Rashford, who has shown a willingness to step outside his comfort zone in pursuit of getting the most out of his career.