Barcelona Closes In on First Summer Target as Deco Breaks Silence on Julian Alvarez Pursuit
Barcelona's sporting director Deco stated that this isn't the appropriate moment to engage in discussions with external clubs and players, though sources indicate the Catalan club is actively pursuing efforts to secure Marcus Rashford's permanent transfer to Catalonia.
Discussions took place between Barcelona representatives and Rashford's representative Arturo Canales to negotiate individual contract terms for the player's long-term commitment to the city, according to SPORT.
Barcelona's challenging financial circumstances make it impossible for them to cover Rashford's substantial Manchester United wages, though there appears to be mutual interest between the club and player to reach an agreement that benefits everyone involved.
A purchase clause valued at $35.2 million (€30 million) was incorporated into Rashford's loan agreement, and Manchester United are said to be firm on not accepting any lower amount. Consequently, SPORT's coverage indicates that Barcelona and Rashford are pursuing a three-year deal that would help spread the cost needed to finalize the English player's permanent acquisition.
Considering the significant increase in transfer values during recent market periods, Rashford might represent excellent value for Barcelona. Nevertheless, the club has been connected with even more ambitious targets this summer, with none more significant than securing Atlético Madrid striker, Julián Alvarez.
Deco Denies Any Ongoing Barcelona, Julián Alvarez Talks
Deco Denies Any Ongoing Barcelona, Julián Alvarez Talks
Speculation connecting Alvarez to Barcelona has persisted for most of the previous year. The enormous financial commitment required for the Catalans to acquire Alvarez has been identified as the primary obstacle making the potential deal appear unlikely.
However, the connections between Alvarez and a potential move to Catalonia persist, and Deco addressed the matter recently, apparently attempting to reduce the speculation.
"To begin with, we haven't communicated with any club, with any player," Deco admitted. "We haven't discussed any matter because I believe now isn't the appropriate time. Despite our admiration for a player, this isn't the moment to be discussing players [from other teams], we have our roster, our squad, we are content.
"When the appropriate moment arrives [to consider transfers] we'll discuss it, but I believe that, in February, nobody is acquiring players or discussing next season's transfers.
"There are numerous players we admire, we'll see. We currently have two forwards, Ferran [Torres] has transformed into a striker over the past two years since [Hansi] Flick's arrival and he has goals and statistics. Robert [Lewandowski] remains valuable to us, he's approaching the end of his contract but it's still not the time to make choices."
The summer period is when such choices will need to be addressed, but Barcelona and Deco might find themselves in a completely different situation by then.
Deco Fully Backing Joan Laporta's Barcelona Presidential Campaign
Deco Fully Backing Joan Laporta's Barcelona Presidential Campaign
Deco's statements were delivered after visiting the campaign office of former Barcelona president—currently presidential candidate—Joan Laporta. When questioned, the Portuguese executive openly supported Laporta's bid for re-election.
"I support Joan's vision because it's something I have faith in," Deco explained. "I've sacrificed many opportunities to be here, beginning with a rebuilding period and now we are in a stage of strengthening our foundation. But ultimately, the most crucial aspect is the club."
The outcome of Barcelona's presidential election in March will significantly influence what occurs during the summer transfer period and afterward.
Should Laporta's re-election bid fail, there's a genuine chance that Deco could also be experiencing his final months as Barcelona's sporting director.