Barcelona director opens up on failed pursuit of Man United outcast – ‘He could have come’ | OneFootball

The winter transfer window saw FC Barcelona make no new signings even though they were looking to strengthen their attacking unit.

Marcus Rashford, out of favour at Manchester United, had become the Blaugrana’s main target for the winter, with a loan deal being explored.

The player, for his part, was also keen on making the switch but a lack of salary space and Barcelona’s inability to offload players to create room meant that the operation fell through.

Deco discusses Rashford pursuit

Now, speaking in an interview with SPORT, Barcelona sporting director Deco has shed light on the club’s pursuit of Rashford, stating that the Manchester United outcast’s name was indeed discussed but the club was not desperate to sign players.

Rashford joined Aston Villa on loan. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

“The winter market is always difficult. It’s true that in the past, there have been important moments for Barça, like the arrival of Davids, but there is no Davids available today in the market,” noted Deco.

Continuing, he added: “It’s tough because the good players, those who can contribute, are not available. It’s true that Rashford was talked about, and he could have come, but we weren’t desperately looking for a player.”

Stressing that the Rashford deal was not a priority as they were recovering players from injury, Deco further explained:

“We knew we were recovering players, and others were getting closer to their best versions. If he could have come, it would’ve been nice, but it wasn’t a priority.”

In the end, Rashford ended up joining Aston Villa on loan while Barça renewed the contracts of Pedri, Gavi, Ronald Araujo, and Gerard Martin.