Barcelona director Deco has revealed some fresh and surprising details surrounding Marcus Rashford’s loan move from Manchester United.
Marcus Rashford completed a season-long loan move to FC Barcelona from Manchester United in the summer, with the deal including a £26 million option to buy.
The 28-year-old forward, who spent the latter half of the previous campaign on loan at Aston Villa, saw the move to Spain as a chance to reset his career and escape the relentless spotlight of the English press.
The decision has paid off, as Rashford has flourished in Catalonia, contributing ten goals and 13 assists in all competitions so far.
It remains to be seen whether the La Liga outfit will sign Rashford permanently once the season ends.
Barcelona director reveals surprise detail about Rashford deal
Rashford spent the second half of last season at Aston Villa after being frozen out of the United squad by Ruben Amorim and he enjoyed his time at the Midlands club.
It seemed obvious that Villa would not sign Rashford permanently, partly due to his large wages, but it has been revealed that they did want to sign him.
That is what Barcelona sporting director Deco said in a recent interview with Sport when discussing the United loanee.
“Yes, definitely. I think it wasn’t easy to come here. He’s a player who has played at a very high level, with enormous demands at a club like Manchester United,” he said.
“Then he spent six months at Aston Villa, where he did a very good job. In fact, Aston Villa, if they could have, would have kept him. I know this because I’ve spoken to people there. But he only wanted to come to Barca, and that’s a very positive thing.
“We were able to secure a loan. The fact that he took a pay cut to make it happen is a clear demonstration that he really wanted to come, and we’re very happy about that. He’s a player who contributes a lot to the team.”
Rashford could return to United?
It does feel like Rashford’s season is going under the radar slightly. Despite not being a guaranteed starter at Barcelona, he is producing in the final third.
The winger is averaging a goal or assist every 86 minutes this term, and some fans may say that United should bring him back to the club next season.
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Following the move back to a back-four, it is obvious that United are missing a natural left-winger in their squad and Rashford fits that profile.
The club will consider their options in the transfer market but it would no longer be a huge surprise if they decided to reintegrate Rashford next term.
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