Sporting director says the “high-level” winger is delivering what the club expected of him
Barcelona are not in a hurry to make a decision about signing Marcus Rashford permanently next summer, sporting director Deco has confirmed.
The England forward joined the Catalan club from Manchester United last summer. The season-long deal was concluded with an option to buy for around €30m.
“We’re happy with him,” said Deco. “That’s the most important thing. A decision will be made, but we’re not talking about that now.
“These decisions aren’t for now. Now it’s time to focus on the upcoming games.”
Rashford has impressed for Barcelona so far, scoring twice and providing four assists in his first eight matches. The decision to bring him in was justified after teenager Lamine Yamal missed up to four games through injury and Rashford filled in seamlessly.
With winger Raphinha now also out for three weeks, the Englishman will have more opportunities to impress in the starting XI.
“He’s delivering what we thought he could deliver,” said Deco. “He’s a high-level player.
“He burst on to the scene at a very young age. Then he had some great seasons at United. Then some more complicated years with changes of coaches, and perhaps it was also difficult for him because a lot was demanded of him there.”
It was previously thought that United had inserted a clause obliging Barcelona to pay a fine if they choose not to sign Rashford permanently, but Deco said there was no such clause.
“We do have an option to make the move permanent if we want to, but there’s no penalty clause in the loan agreement if we don’t sign him,” said Deco.
“It’s too early to talk about next season. What matters is that we’re happy with him.”
