Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona future undecided as Deco says “we have time”

Barcelona sporting director Deco has confirmed that the club has made no decision yet regarding Marcus Rashford’s long-term future, despite the Manchester United loanee impressing during his first months in Spain. Speaking to Cadena SER, Deco made it clear that while Rashford has been an important contributor, Barça will wait before deciding whether to activate their €30 million purchase option.

Rashford joined Barcelona on a season-long loan last summer after a difficult final year at Manchester United. The agreement includes an option for a permanent transfer, and his strong start — highlighted by six goals and nine assists across all competitions — has sparked debate about whether Barça should commit early.

But Deco insists the club will not rush.

Even with strong output, Rashford has not been a guaranteed starter since the November international break. His last start came in the 4–2 win over Celta Vigo on November 9, where he delivered two assists. After missing a match due to illness, he returned from the bench against Chelsea in the Champions League and again in recent LaLiga wins over Alavés and Atlético Madrid.

Raphinha’s return to full fitness has shifted the attacking hierarchy, with the Brazilian reclaiming the left flank. Rashford has been used more as an impact substitute — effective, but not automatic in the first XI.

This positional shuffle complicates any long-term decision. Barcelona must evaluate whether Rashford fits into the club’s evolving front-line strategy, especially as young talents like Lamine Yamal and Marc Guiu demand minutes.

Another factor shaping Rashford’s potential permanent move is the situation surrounding Robert Lewandowski, whose contract expires in June.

The 37-year-old has eight goals this season but missed a penalty in the win over Atlético and has not yet opened discussions about an extension.

“He has a contract with us for now and we have still not spoken about his future,” Deco added.

Lewandowski’s situation leaves Barcelona with several possible attacking configurations for next season — and Rashford may become more valuable if the club opts to reshape its forward line.

For now, though, no domino has fallen.

Rashford’s impact has been meaningful — but his fit long-term is still unclear. Rashford gives Barça something different: Premier League experience, physicality, transitional speed and mature decision-making.

But the club may prioritise squad balance and salary structure over short-term output.

From our analysis of Barça’s attacking patterns, Rashford’s versatility is valuable — yet his reduced recent minutes show he is not indispensable. Barcelona’s cautious stance is therefore logical: let the season unfold, assess squad evolution, and decide when the full picture is clear.

For now, the club is happy — but not ready to commit.

Rashford must continue to make his case through performances — especially if Barcelona and Manchester United negotiate in the summer. His future remains open, but his impact so far has ensured the option to buy remains a genuine possibility.

👉 Should Barcelona activate Rashford’s €30m buy option — or wait until the end of the season?