Deco talks Joao Cancelo and Marcus Rashford after Barcelona win

Barcelona sporting director Deco addressed the futures of Joao Cancelo and Marcus Rashford following Sunday’s 3-0 La Liga victory over Sevilla at Camp Nou, a match in which Cancelo stole the headlines by winning two penalties and scoring once.

Speaking to reporters, Deco explained the club’s winter pursuit of the Portuguese full-back, revealing that sentiment as much as skill drove the deal. “We have made efforts to sign Cancelo because he has shown time and time again that he’s a crazy Barca fan,” Deco said. “That is a rare feeling nowadays in players, and we are trying to bring it back.”

The 29-year-old’s performance against Sevilla underlined why the club pressed to secure his services, with his attacking thrust and composure from the spot offering an immediate return on investment.

Deco also fielded questions on Marcus Rashford, whose long-term status at the club remains unresolved amid reports that Barcelona have already decided to trigger a purchase option. The English forward, currently on loan, did not make an appearance against Sevilla but could feature in Wednesday’s Champions League meeting with Newcastle.

“We have a clear vision regarding Rashford, and we know what needed to be done for him to stay,” Deco stated. “But the matter is related to Financial Fair Play, priorities, performance, and evaluation with the coach. It’s something we haven’t done yet because it’s not the right time.”

With the January window still months away, Deco’s comments suggest that any final decision on Rashford will hinge on sporting and economic assessments rather than sentiment alone.

Barcelona now turn their attention to European duty, hoping to consolidate momentum built in domestic play while keeping one eye on squad planning for the second half of the campaign.