Barcelona Presidential Hopeful Casts Doubt on Rashford Permanent Transfer
Marcus Rashford's potential permanent move from Manchester United to Barcelona has been thrown into uncertainty following comments from one of the candidates vying for the presidency at the Camp Nou. Xavier Vilajoana, one of four contenders in the upcoming election scheduled for March 15, has raised fresh doubts about activating Rashford's purchase option this summer.
Vilajoana's Transfer Stance and Alternative Options
While Vilajoana has boldly vowed to pursue England international Harry Kane from Bayern Munich, he has suggested that Rashford's proposed switch would be reevaluated if he assumes office to replace Joan Laporta. The presidential hopeful emphasized looking "in-house first" before considering external signings, naming former Barcelona youth player Jan Virgili, currently at Mallorca, as a potential alternative to Rashford.
"I am someone who believes you should always look in-house first, as I've always said, and then look outside depending on the characteristics of the players you have," Vilajoana told ESPN regarding the possibility of paying Rashford's €30 million (£26 million) clause. "I would maybe look at [exercising the clause to re-sign Virgili] as an option, for example, rather than paying the Rashford clause."
Rashford's Barcelona Loan Success and Manchester United Interest
Rashford completed a "dream" loan move to Barcelona last summer after struggling for form at Manchester United, where he scored 10 goals and provided 13 assists this season, revitalizing his career at the Camp Nou. Barcelona hold the option to make his stay permanent at the end of the season for the agreed fee, with reports in Spain indicating Rashford is keen to make the loan arrangement permanent.
However, Michael Carrick, who played alongside Rashford for three seasons at United and is reportedly in contention for the full-time managerial job at Old Trafford, is thought to be eager for the forward to return to Manchester this summer. This creates a complex transfer scenario with competing interests from both clubs.
Decision-Making Process and Financial Considerations
Vilajoana clarified that any final decision would involve thorough discussion and consideration of sporting merits, not just presidential authority. "What I am clear on is that if [signing Rashford] is considered to be the best decision from a sporting point of view, the money will be there to make it happen," he stated, acknowledging that the club's sporting department would play a crucial role in the evaluation.
This development adds another layer to Barcelona's transfer strategy amid their presidential election, while Manchester United monitor the situation closely as they plan their summer rebuild under potential new management.
