A key figure at Barcelona has revealed details about Marcus Rashford’s loan deal
Barcelona sporting director Deco has commended Marcus Rashford for flourishing despite the “enormous demands” of playing for Manchester United.
The Barca legend also disclosed that on-loan Rashford was on the verge of signing with another team last summer. Rashford, 28, moved to Catalonia after falling out of favour with Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
He spent the latter half of the previous season on loan at Aston Villa before Barcelona came calling. It has now been revealed just how keen Villa were to retain the England international.
However, according to Deco, once the opportunity arose, Rashford only had one destination in mind. “Yes, definitely,” the Barcelona icon told Sport when questioned if he and the rest of the board are satisfied with Rashford’s development.
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“I think it wasn’t easy to come here. He has played at a very high level, with enormous demands at a club like Manchester United. Then he spent six months at Aston Villa, where he did a very good job.
“In fact, Aston Villa, they would have kept him if it had been possible. 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.”
Deco, 48, is correct to highlight that the wage reduction was crucial in facilitating Rashford’s loan to Barcelona. The Spanish giants’ financial situation prevented them from matching his previous £300,000-a-week terms at United, but he accepted a decrease to £225,000 weekly to complete the switch.
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The Portuguese director is also accurate in suggesting that this gesture revealed just how determined Rashford was to join. This has been evident in his displays so far at the Camp Nou, where he has netted 10 goals and provided another 13 assists in 34 appearances.
Rashford is reportedly keen on making his loan a permanent deal at the end of the season. Head coach Hansi Flick has expressed enthusiasm about his loanee, who has a £26million buy option written into his deal.
But even that figure may prove too steep for Barca. This follows suggestions indicating the Catalans have enquired with United about whether they can pay a reduced amount to make Rashford’s move permanent.
That may not align with United’s plans, particularly considering recent reports suggesting interim manager Michael Carrick would like him back at Old Trafford should he land the job on a permanent basis.
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