Marcus Rashford has been put on notice by a high-ranking member of the Barcelona board as the Manchester United star's transfer fate becomes clearer
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona reacts during the LaLiga EA Sports match between FC Barcelona and RCD Mallorca at Spotify Camp Nou
Barcelona have offered an update on when they might expect to make a decision over Marcus Rashford's future(Image: Getty Images)
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It's clear Barcelona won't be rushed into any decision concerning Marcus Rashford's future following Deco's latest transfer update. And it's sent a signal that the Catalan conquerors know a lot can happen for the Manchester United loanee between now and June.
Questions are being asked as to when (or whether) Barca will take the plunge and sign Rashford, 28, on a permanent deal. Los Cules have an option to turn the Englishman's loan into a permanent move for £26million, which is largely considered a bargain fee given his output this season.
Except Rashford's form has fallen off in the last couple of months, suggesting the Spaniards may have been right not to jump the gun. And sporting director Deco has given some key insight regarding the club's mentality on transfers ahead of this summer.
Deco made an appearance on the ‘Que t’hi Jugues!’ podcast during Barca's recent presidential election day. There, he was quizzed about potential interest in Atletico striker Julian Alvarez and made it clear a lot can happen between now and the summer transfer window opening.
Though he refused to deny Barca's interest, the former Portugal international replied: "Julian Alvarez? There are a lot of unknowns; three months is an eternity."
From that, one can gauge exactly why Barcelona aren't moving with haste to secure Rashford's signature before the deadline on his purchase clause passes. Not when the forward's trajectory could easily be thrown off course between now and then.
sports director Deco of FC Barcelona during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Deportivo Alaves v FC Barcelona at the Mendizorroza Stadium
Barcelona sporting director Deco isn't in any rush to make a decision on Rashford's fate(Image: David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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A serious injury or personal development could drastically reshape how consider the player in regards to a long-term investment. Rashford has managed to stay largely injury-free during his time at the Camp Nou, but that situation could change at any moment.
There's also the fact the Mancunian's form has wilted significantly compared to his ferocious start to life in Spain. Rashford hasn't made a direct goal contribution since January 31 when he scored in a 3-1 rout of Elche.
It didn't take long for hype to build around his signature when Rashford hit the ground running under Hansi Flick. He scored six goals and made seven assists in the two-month span between mid-September and mid-November in what was a particularly fruitful spell.
That's compared to a return of just three goals and one assist between mid-December and mid-March, albeit with a two-week winter break. Based on his more recent output, Barca may not be so inclined to fork out for the Premier League star.
Unlike Alvarez, Barcelona already know precisely how much they'd have to pay to recruit Rashford on a long-term contract. Not to mention his signature would cost a fraction of the fee, which is good news for a club that can't currently compete with the biggest spenders in the sport.
Despite any good stock he's built up in Catalonia this term, it seems Rashford will be waiting until the last minute to find out his fate. And that means United and their fans may also require plenty of patience before learning Barcelona's true intentions.