At the very least a handful of groups confirmed curiosity in Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford through the January switch window, making him one of the vital sought-after gamers out there. Whereas many believed his most well-liked vacation spot was Barcelona, the deal by no means materialized, resulting in hypothesis in regards to the Catalan membership’s true stage of curiosity.
Barcelona’s attacking depth has been a subject of dialogue in current seasons, and Rashford was seen as a possible short-term reinforcement. The 27-year-old, who had fallen out of favor at Manchester United and was struggling for sport time, had reportedly been eager on a transfer to Barcelona.
Now, the Catalans’ sporting director Deco has lastly addressed the rumors, confirming that whereas Rashford was thought-about, he was finally “not a precedence” for the membership. He additional revealed that whereas the membership explored the potential of signing him, they had been by no means determined to get the deal completed.
“It’s true that Rashford was talked about, that he might have come, however we weren’t desperately searching for a participant both,” Deco informed Sport. “We knew that we had been getting gamers again, that others had been going to achieve their finest kind. If he might have come, it could have been good, but it surely was not a precedence.”
Why Barcelona didn’t push for Rashford
The most important impediment for Barcelona was the monetary dedication required to signal Rashford. The English ahead was incomes over £300,000 ($377,000) per week, and whereas Manchester United had been prepared to cowl a portion of his wages, the La Liga big nonetheless discovered the deal troublesome to justify.
Deco additionally highlighted the membership’s confidence of their current squad, notably with a number of key gamers coming back from harm. As a substitute of bringing in new names, Barcelona opted to concentrate on their long-term plans, together with securing contract renewals for Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, and Gerard Martin.
“The winter switch market is all the time troublesome,” Deco defined. “It’s true that there have been necessary moments for Barca up to now, such because the arrival of [Edgar] Davids, however there isn’t any Davids out there available on the market at the moment. It’s troublesome as a result of the nice gamers, those that can contribute, should not out there.”
Barcelona’s monetary struggles in current seasons have pressured them to be extra selective with their signings. Although Rashford was out there, and United had been prepared to barter, the membership finally selected to prioritize stability over a dangerous mid-season addition.
Mrashford’s future nonetheless unsure regardless of Aston Villa transfer
With Barcelona unwilling to go all-in for Rashford, Aston Villa stepped as much as safe his signature on a mortgage deal. The 27-year-old ahead made his debut for Unai Emery’s facet of their 2-1 FA Cup win over Tottenham, the place he put in a powerful efficiency.
Whereas the Spaniards might have handed on the chance, Rashford’s future stays unsure. If he rediscovers his finest kind at Villa Park, Manchester United might rethink his position of their squad—or different golf equipment, presumably even Barcelona, might revisit their curiosity in the summertime switch window.
