Marcus Rashford’s season is winning over supporters at the Spotify Camp Nou and convincing Barcelona’s sporting leaders, including Hansi Flick and Deco.
If the English international keeps up the excellent performances he has shown for Barça, the club had been prepared to activate the purchase option in his loan deal, set at 30 million euros. That was the plan as the club entered its electoral period, but a report in The Times has introduced a new uncertainty.
The British paper indicates that Rashford’s continued presence at Barcelona may also depend on the outcome of the club presidential elections scheduled for 15 March 2026. That result could influence whether the club follows through with long-term plans for the forward.
The outgoing board, led by Joan Laporta with Deco as the sporting chief, decided to stick to the original plan after securing the loan from Manchester United: provided there are no unforeseen physical issues or a sudden drop in form, Barcelona intends to exercise the buy option and offer Rashford a contract for several more seasons. Those in charge consider 30 million euros to be a reasonable market price given the player’s performances, and they view it as manageable for the club’s finances amid the reconstruction of the Spotify Camp Nou and the effort to stabilise the accounts.
Rashford’s numbers (10 goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances) back up the positive impressions he has made since Flick trusted him. He has become a high-level alternative to Raphinha on the left wing and his versatility has allowed him to earn minutes as an attacking midfielder and even as a centre forward when required. Another important factor is his willingness to adapt his wages to Barcelona’s economic limits.
But The Times underlines the unknowns tied to the elections. One candidate in the race, Víctor Font, has already made clear he would not rely on Deco. Flick, whose relationship with the current sporting director has been praised, has emphasised the exceptional understanding they have had so far. In the coming days other candidates — Xavi Vilajoana, Marc Ciria and Joan Camprubí — are expected to state their positions.
Rashford’s arrival had been a Deco gamble during a complicated summer transfer window, when other targets such as Nico Williams and Luis Díaz did not materialise. Football decisions can change quickly, and what looks likely now may shift if leadership changes.
Flick has publicly expressed that he is very pleased with Marcus and believes the former Manchester United player can continue to develop. With the backing of Laporta, Deco and Flick and the applause of the Spotify Camp Nou crowd, the odds favour Rashford staying in blue and garnet for several more seasons. Nevertheless, nothing is guaranteed until the election winner decides and appoints a sporting director.
