Barcelona reach decision on Rashford as Deco travels to London for separate deal

Barcelona have arrived at what is being described as a “final” decision on Marcus Rashford’s future, with manager Hansi Flick backing a permanent move for the Manchester United forward — though the Spanish club is also attempting to negotiate a fee below the £26 million purchase option written into his loan agreement.

Rashford, 28, joined Barcelona on loan last summer after making clear his desire to leave Old Trafford. He has since justified the move with 14 goals and 14 assists across his loan spell, form that earned him a place in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for this summer’s World Cup.

According to Spanish outlet Sport, Flick’s endorsement has not translated into Barcelona formally approaching United with the required fee. The purchase option clause expires on June 15, after which a permanent transfer under its original terms would no longer be possible, and any deal would require fresh negotiations between the two clubs.

The situation leaves United in an uncertain position. If Barcelona activate the clause before the deadline, they receive £26 million for a player who had fallen out of favour at Old Trafford. If the deadline passes without agreement, United must either negotiate a new sale or reintegrate Rashford into their squad.

Complicating matters further, Barcelona sporting director Deco has travelled to London to hold talks over a separate deal — a move for Chelsea forward Joao Pedro, per the same report — suggesting the club is managing multiple transfer priorities simultaneously and may be weighing up where to direct its resources.

Frenkie de Jong has publicly backed Rashford to remain at the Camp Nou beyond his loan. “In the minutes he’s played, he has given us a lot: goals, assists, depth,” the Dutch midfielder told Sport. “He is a fast player, who threatens rival defences. I would be delighted if he continued with us. He arrived here with a lot of enthusiasm. He was very happy to be here and from the first moment he arrived.”

Whether Barcelona ultimately meet United’s valuation or allow the June 15 deadline to pass without a deal remains to be seen.