Marcus Rashford wants to stay in Barcelona this summer, although recent reports have suggested a return to Manchester United might not be out of the question.
Marcus Rashford wants to stay in Spain
Marcus Rashford wants to stay in Spain
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Manchester United's home clash with Aston Villa next Sunday could have a huge say in the race for a spot in next season's Champions League. Should United qualify for the 2026/27 edition of the competition, the knock-on effect will be huge, and the riches on offer will help to shape United's summer transfer plan.
Yet, as United gear up for Sunday's huge clash, the events unfolding roughly 900 miles away in Barcelona could also have a huge say in their summer plans.
The Barcelona presidential election will take place on 15 March. Incumbent president Joan Laporta is in the running, with Víctor Font and Marc Ciria his two remaining competitors for the post after the shortlist was whittled down to three last week.
Should Laporta be re-elected, former Barcelona star Deco is likely to remain the club's sporting director, meaning any transfer plans drawn up by Barca ahead of the summer window will remain largely unchanged. However, should Font or Ciria win the race to be Barcelona president, plans could change.
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The permanent transfer of Marcus Rashford from United to Barcelona is expected to be completed this summer, but should a new man be at the helm come the opening of the transfer window on June 15, there's a chance the La Liga giants' transfer plans could be ripped up.
The Manchester Evening News spoke to Jordi Carne, a journalist covering the election campaign, last month, and he explained how the election could impact United.
"The main difference between Victor Font and Laporta is the sports director, Deco," he said. "Font doesn't want Deco as his sports director, but Laporta wants him. This is the main difference between the two projects. With Deco, the future of Marcus Rashford is clearer than if it’s not Deco, because if another one takes his place, then something can change. Laporta, if he wins the election, he will do the same he has done until now."
Carne went on to explain that, while a change at the top end of the food chain could impact Rashford's future in Catalonia, head coach Hansi Flick would be more than keen to see him make his move from Manchester permanent.
"Hansi Flick is very happy with him. Flick is going to continue as head coach of Barcelona, no doubt about that. He can help Rashford to continue in Barcelona," said Carne.
"He is playing very good, he has goals and assists, he is helping the team. It is difficult to adapt to the philosophy of Barcelona, especially coming from the Premier League, but he is enjoying it, he’s trying to improve and help the other players. His numbers are very, very good."
There are always a lot of moving parts in transfers, and the more high-profile the deal, the more parts are added. Few would have expected Barcelona's presidential election to play a part in United's summer plans, but next Sunday could prove to be a huge day for Rashford and United.
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