With the summer transfer window approaching, FC Barcelona has laid out a roadmap to improve its squad for next season.
One of the decisions already taken by the sporting department, led by director Deco, is to sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis.
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The 28-year-old striker, on loan from Manchester United, has impressed so far with Barca and the club are now convinced they will take the plunge and keep him on a permanent basis.
Deco meets Rashford’s representatives
According to Sport, Deco and Rashford’s agent Arturo Canales held a key meeting on Monday to prepare for talks with Manchester United ahead of the summer.
Barcelona aim to keep the England international permanently. However, Deco is aiming to try to reduce the €30m purchase option agreed last summer. This number is a major point of friction.
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From the Premier League club’s perspective, this amount has been fixed in the previous agreement and there is no room for change. They believe the deal is over 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 United. He was instrumental in brokering Rashford’s loan move to Barcelona last summer.
Barcelona want to sign Rashford permanently. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
His renewed involvement could be important in building bridges in what is expected to be a complex negotiation. At present, Manchester United has not shown any willingness to cut prices. Their official position remains firm.
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Even so, Barcelona believe the past few weeks and the players’ own stance could open up a path to compromise.
Although the summer window is still some way off, discussions have already begun. Because the Catalans don’t want to leave things to the last minute.
Salary is also an issue
One of the key issues in the negotiations is Rashford’s salary at Manchester United. Barcelona’s financial margins are low and no matter how happy they are with the forward’s performance, they can’t match those figures.
If the player wishes to stay in Catalonia, as he has publicly expressed within his inner circles, he will have to accept a significant pay cut.
Meanwhile, negotiations between the clubs will continue in the coming weeks, with Barcelona hoping to convince United to accept a lower fee than the previously agreed €30 million.