Barcelona and Deco kick off summer talks for Rashford transfer

Barcelona sporting director Deco opened preliminary negotiations on Thursday for Marcus Rashford’s permanent transfer, meeting the forward’s representative Arturo Canales inside the club’s offices, according to SPORT. The gathering, which also included English-football intermediary Kostas Theoharides, was designed to map out the framework of a deal with Manchester United before the summer window opens.

Discussions remain at an exploratory stage, but Deco is already testing United’s resolve over the €30 million purchase option inserted into Rashford’s January loan. United have repeatedly described that figure as non-negotiable, while Barcelona are weighing whether the 26-year-old’s salary demands can be accommodated within their wage structure. Sources indicate Rashford would again need to accept a pay reduction, following the path of several current squad members who restructured deals to aid the club’s financial compliance.

Deco publicly praised Rashford earlier this month, highlighting his seamless adaptation and commitment. “We are very happy with him,” the Portuguese director said. “It is not easy to come here. He is a player who has competed at a very high level, with enormous demands at a club like Manchester United. Then he spent six months at Aston Villa, where he did a very good job. In fact, Aston Villa, if they could, would have kept him; I know because I spoke with people there. But he only wanted to come to Barça, and that is very positive.”

The player’s willingness to take a wage reduction in January was, in Deco’s eyes, “a clear sign that he really wanted to come,” and the club are eager to reward that commitment with a longer stay.

Barcelona’s hesitation is not purely economic. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha have locked down starting roles on the flanks, and competition for minutes across the front line is fierce. El Nacional reports that Rashford suspects a “hidden hand” slowing the push for permanence, possibly linked to internal hierarchies at Camp Nou. Still, the impending transition away from Robert Lewandowski, who turns 37 next season, leaves a vacancy for a versatile attacker comfortable both wide and centrally.

On the pitch, Rashford recently returned to training after a minor knee complaint kept him out of last weekend’s Levante fixture. Medical staff do not anticipate further setbacks, leaving him available for the run-in as Barcelona chase silverware.

Deco stressed that no penalties are attached should the Catalans ultimately decline the purchase option, yet with negotiations now formally under way, both camps accept the coming weeks will be decisive. United’s stance on the €30 million valuation remains the first hurdle; Barcelona’s ability to balance the books while satisfying Rashford’s wage expectations is the second. The early talks have begun, and the summer saga is officially set.