Deco explains why Barcelona chose Gordon over Rashford in £69m summer switch

Barcelona sporting director Deco has publicly explained why the club chose to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £69m rather than activate a £26m purchase option on Marcus Rashford, whose loan spell at the Camp Nou last season produced 14 goals and 14 assists.

Speaking to RAC 1, Deco said the decision came down to fit rather than form. “We are extremely grateful to Rashford,” he said. “He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony. His style fits with what the coach is looking for. We see every training session and analyse the team. We have a clear idea of what we’re looking for.”

Deco also pointed to a specific tactical problem Flick needed to solve. “One of the areas we struggled last season, without Raphinha, was that the team’s energy dropped. It was lost. We needed more intensity. We analysed a lot of wingers. Signing someone from the Premier League is almost impossible, but [Flick] was clear with what he wanted and we worked on a deal from there.”

Rashford, 28, had expressed interest in making the move to Barcelona permanent after rediscovering his best form following a fallout with former United head coach Ruben Amorim. His performances in Spain also earned him a recall to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Instead, Rashford returned to Manchester United, where he has been fully reintegrated under new head coach Michael Carrick. He has featured in all three of United’s opening matches this season, starting against Ipswich Town and Everton.

Carrick has been effusive about the forward’s attitude since his return. “He’s added to the group for us, for sure, because it’s pretty obvious,” the United head coach said. “He’s making the most of that for us and for him as well. He’s one of our own. He’s living his dream, playing here now, and trying to be successful and win.”

“It’s always about what you do next, and what your intentions are. He’s been fantastic since he came back, I have to say.”

Rashford is expected to feature prominently in a demanding week for United, with fixtures in the Champions League and a Manchester derby on the horizon.