If you’ve spent time scrolling on social media this Monday morning, you’ll undoubtedly have read news regarding Marcus Rashford and Barcelona.
Now, according to those reports, the Catalans remain in contact with the Wythenshawe forwards’ representatives, as the La Liga kingpins continue to assess their options.
But if you are reading this, I can only assume you have digested some of our content previously, and you’ll be well aware that this is, in fact, not news at all.
As we revealed over two months ago, Barca retain their admiration for Rashford, and talks have remained open through intermediaries since June.
Understandably, it’s all very confusing and rather absurd; why would the club maintain channels of conversation when they declined the opportunity to purchase for a more-than-reasonable fee?
That in itself pays homage to the endless theatre supplied by Joan Laporta and the media mastery of his trusted associate Deco.
Their tactics do not guarantee success when dealing with Ineos’ sporting team, but make no mistake, every move has been part of a greater ploy, and it remains ongoing.
It’s clear that rather than utilising a standard negotiation tactic with United, the Spanish leadership has combined media posturing, financial leverage, and delays throughout.
Despite enjoying an extremely positive loan spell, Rashford’s €30 million fee represented one of the most straightforward decisions for any department. However, by intentionally allowing the deadline to pass without triggering the clause, pressure was shifted back to Old Trafford.
Although public sentiment has veered towards a welcome reunion, with Michael Carrick more than happy to include the attacker in his squad, Marcus did not want to leave his sunny life on the northeast coastline.
Furthermore, his £300k+ weekly salary was not something that Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox had hoped to accommodate again.
Paint this picture however you like, but having one of the Premier League’s largest earners playing a bit-part role in your squad is not necessarily a welcome business model for any side.
I’m not generating a false vision as a journalist who has sat down with Laporta and Deco to plagiarise another’s work, so please don’t mistake my words.
Still, I have spent ample time with my colleague Albert Fernandez and many other associates, and I am sure that Barcelona effectively called United’s bluff, understanding the difficulties in finding an alternative destination.
Speaking in March, Deco even publicly acknowledged the ongoing situation and teased an idea to fulfil their needs. “Rashford staying? We have a clear idea regarding Rashford, and we know what needs to be done for him to stay,” the sporting director announced.
“But the matter is tied to financial fair play, priorities, performance, and the coach’s decision, and it’s something we haven’t done yet because it’s not the right time.”
Laporta and his long-term associate have since pushed for alternatives, such as a second loan deal or staggered/delayed payments to achieve a suitable solution. Understandably, United have rejected all, preferring to sell the player to an alternative buyer.
Therein lies the fundamental conundrum, and the confidence of Spanish officials. Not forgetting that Hansi Flick is one of Rashford’s biggest admirers.
Few clubs, if any, can afford the financial requirements, and those willing, such as Turkish suitors, do not provide an attractive solution for Marcus. He wants Barcelona, and has always been willing to lower his salary demands to achieve his dream move.
Whether that occurs between now and the transfer deadline is anyone’s guess. There is every possibility that the 28-year-old will line out against Hull and never look back.
Nonetheless, as we stated in June, time remains, and conversations are ongoing through intermediaries that could see a sensational return.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments or across our social channels–photo by mrogowski_photography via depositphotos.com.
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