Barcelona director met with €30 million-rated forward’s agents

With the summer transfer window on the horizon, FC Barcelona are already drawing out roadmaps to improve the squad for the next season.

One of the decisions that the sporting department, led by director Deco, has already taken is to sign Marcus Rashford permanently.

The 28-year-old forward, on loan from Manchester United, has impressed so far in his stint at Barça, with the club now convinced of taking the plunge and roping him in permanently.

Deco meets Rashford’s representatives

Now, according to SPORT, a key meeting took place between Deco and Arturo Canales, agent of Rashford, on Monday, to begin preparing the ground for negotiations with Manchester United ahead of the summer.

Barcelona’s intention is to retain the England international on a permanent basis. However, Deco’s aim is to try to reduce the €30 million purchase option agreed last summer. That figure is the main point of friction.

From the Premier League club’s perspective, the amount was settled in the previous agreement, and there is no room for change. They consider the pact closed and believe the only question now is whether Barcelona will activate it.

Another key figure present at the meeting was Kostas Theoharides, who works in the same agency as Arturo Canales and maintains a good relationship with Manchester United. He played an important role last summer in facilitating Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona.

His involvement again could prove significant in building bridges in what is expected to be a complex negotiation. For now, Manchester United have shown no willingness to lower the price. Their official position remains firm.

Even so, Barcelona believe that the passing weeks and the player’s own stance could open a path to compromise.

Although the summer window is still some distance away, discussions have already begun. as the Catalans do not want to leave the matter until the last moment.

Salary a concern too

One of the key aspects of the negotiation is Rashford’s salary at Manchester United. Barcelona, operating with tighter financial margins, cannot match those figures, regardless of their satisfaction with the forward’s performances.

If the player wishes to remain in Catalonia, something he has expressed publicly and within his inner circle, he will have to accept a significant wage reduction.

Meanwhile, talks between the clubs will continue in the coming weeks as Barcelona hope to convince United to accept a lower fee than the €30 million agreed before.