Rio Ferdinand has claimed Barcelona would be pulling off a major heist if they secure Marcus Rashford for a reported £26 million this summer. The Manchester United legend didn't mince words, calling the potential deal "an absolute robbery" given the forward's current form.

Rashford, who joined the Catalan giants on a season-long loan last summer, has reignited his career in La Liga. The 28-year-old England international has been a key figure, scoring 11 goals and providing crucial moments, including a vital equalizer in a recent 2-1 win over Atletico Madrid that solidified Barcelona's lead at the top of the table.

With a permanent transfer fee of £26m already agreed upon as part of the loan arrangement, the decision now rests with Barcelona's hierarchy. Ferdinand, speaking on his podcast, believes it's a no-brainer. He argues that securing a player of Rashford's proven quality and explosive pace for that price in today's inflated market represents incredible value.

The timing of this speculation is particularly poignant as Barcelona prepares for a high-stakes Champions League quarter-final rematch against Atletico Madrid. A strong performance on Europe's biggest stage would only amplify Rashford's value and strengthen the case for making his move permanent.

For fans watching this saga unfold, it's a reminder of how transformative a change of scenery can be for a player's career. Rashford's resurgence in Spain is a compelling story of redemption, and if Barcelona triggers the buy option, they might just secure one of the bargains of the upcoming transfer window.