Barcelona chief comments on two transfer sagas that have implications for Man United and Liverpool
What does Deco have up his sleeve for Barca?
Barcelona director Deco has given an interview with insight into the club’s plans for big names like Marcus Rashford and Marc Guehi.
The Portuguese gave an interview to SER Catalunya to outline the latest details on Rashford’s future at the Nou Camp after shining since joining on loan from Manchester United in the summer.
One imagines there must be a decent chance Barca will sign Rashford permanently at the end of this loan spell, but Deco wasn’t keen to give too much away for now, except for saying he and the club are happy with how the 28-year-old is getting on so far.
Deco on Marcus Rashford transfer plan
When asked about Rashford’s future, Deco said: “Nothing has been decided with Marcus Rashford. It’s not the time to make decisions about the future.
“We’re happy with him, Rashford is giving us a lot. Strategically, it’s not the time to talk about signings.”
Rashford has six goals and seven assists for Hansi Flick’s side so far this season, so if he can carry on that kind of impact he’ll surely have done enough to earn a move.
United will certainly hope it works out that way as it looks like time for both parties to go their separate ways.
Speaking earlier this season, Rashford suggested he’d simply been at United too long, and it seems like he’s clearly benefiting from a new challenge abroad as he shows his best form again and works his way back into the England fold.
Deco admits Marc Guehi is a good player
Barcelona have also been linked with a move for Crystal Palace defender Guehi in recent times, and it seems Deco is a fan of the 25-year-old.
UPGRADE to a paid subscription to receive exclusive in-depth transfer news, comment, and analysis from our experts!
However, he fell short of actually suggesting Barca were ready to make a move for him, instead pointing to the club’s tradition of promoting players from their academy.
He said: “We have identified a lot of players [as potential options], he’s a good player.
MORE: Maresca plots signing to launch Chelsea into the title race
“We know what we want, but we’re not going to speak publicly about what they are. We’re content to have a young squad, with players from La Masia, allows us to be more calm.”
Guehi is also known to be on Liverpool’s radar after they failed to sign him late on last summer, though his contract situation could now invite other major clubs into the race for his signature as he’s set to become a free agent at the end of the current campaign.
As long as Flick is in charge, Barcelona will need an experienced defender that can execute the offside trap impeccably (that’s why the departure of Iñigo Martinez has been felt so strongly) or the coach would have to cave in and alternate between the high and low defensive line.
Cubarsí-Martín as a CB pairing is actually better than Cubarsí-Eric, giving the latter much more freedom to move basically everywhere on the pitch.