Marcus Rashford's permanent move to Barcelona is not guaranteed, with the Spanish club refusing to rush a decision on the Manchester United loanee. Sporting director Deco has indicated that the club will wait until the end of the season before committing to the £26 million transfer option.
Rashford, 28, made a strong start to his loan spell at the Camp Nou, scoring six goals and providing seven assists between mid-September and mid-November. However, his form has dipped significantly since then, with only three goals and one assist from mid-December to mid-March, including a two-week winter break.
Deco, speaking on the 'Que t'hi Jugues!' podcast, emphasised that circumstances can change rapidly. When asked about interest in Atletico Madrid's Julian Alvarez, he said: 'There are a lot of unknowns; three months is an eternity.' This cautious approach applies equally to Rashford, with the club mindful of potential injuries or loss of form.
Barcelona have an option to make Rashford's loan permanent for £26 million, a fee considered excellent value given his early performances. However, the club's financial constraints mean they cannot compete with the biggest spenders, making the decision even more critical.
Rashford has not registered a goal or assist since January 31, when he scored in a 3-1 win over Elche. His recent decline has raised doubts about whether Barcelona will trigger the purchase clause, leaving his future uncertain until the summer.
Manchester United and their supporters may have to wait until the last minute to learn Rashford's fate, as Barcelona take their time to evaluate the forward's long-term value.
