Barcelona presidential candidate prefers Jan Virgili over Marcus Rashford

Barcelona presidential hopeful Xavi Vilajoana has shifted the transfer spotlight from Harry Kane to Marcus Rashford, revealing reservations about committing to the England forward beyond his current loan.

Rashford’s temporary stay at Camp Nou runs until June, and the club holds an option to make the move permanent for a reported €30 million. Yet Vilajoana, speaking to ESPN, suggested the club should first scan its own network before triggering that clause, citing Mallorca winger Jan Virgili as a preferable alternative.

“I am someone who believes you should always look in-house first, as I’ve always said, and then look outside depending on the characteristics of the players you have,” Vilajoana explained. “For example, I want to give the example of Jan Virgili, who is currently playing for Mallorca. He’s a great winger. I would maybe look at [exercising the clause to re-sign him] as an option, for example, rather than paying the Rashford clause.”

The 25-year-old Virgili has caught the eye with consistent performances for Real Mallorca this season and is expected to be on the move this summer. Vilajoana, keen to promote Catalan talent, believes re-acquiring the winger could provide both sporting value and financial prudence.

Still, the presidential candidate stressed that no unilateral decision would be taken. “The president arrives, puts things on the table, alternatives are considered, it’s discussed and a decision is made,” he said. “What I am clear on is that if [signing Rashford] is considered to be the best decision from a sporting point of view, the money will be there to make it happen.”

Barcelona’s hierarchy reportedly remains open to retaining Rashford but is exploring ways to negotiate down the €30 million fee. With elections approaching, Vilajoana’s stance signals a potential pivot toward home-grown solutions should he secure the presidency.