Deco sets a condition for Marcus Rashford to stay at Barça: 'If you don't score...'

Marcus Rashford arrived at Barça on loan from Manchester United, with a purchase option of 40 million euros. The Catalan club saw the deal as a market opportunity, trusting they could recover the best version of the English forward. However, the start of the season hasn't shown the decisive player that the sporting management desired to see at Camp Nou.

In his first appearances, he has shown flashes of quality, but he hasn't had consistency or prominence in the decisive moments of the matches. His adaptation to the Barça playing style has been more complicated than expected, and his goal-scoring numbers are far from what was desired. That lack of immediate impact has raised doubts among both the fans and the coaching staff, who imagined him as much more decisive.

A start that raises concern among the board

Rashford's arrival sparked excitement in the stands, where people thought he would be a game-changing addition to Barça's attack. However, the numbers from his first matches have triggered warning signs, since his offensive contribution has been far too limited. His performances don't match the investment the club would have to make if they were to exercise the purchase option.

Deco, as the top sporting executive, analyzes every performance of the player in detail and doesn't get carried away by his prestige in England. The Brazilian understands that Barça can't make strategic mistakes with high-cost signings, given the current delicate financial context. For that reason, his evaluation of Rashford is increasingly demanding and will directly influence any future decision.

Deco's critical view of Rashford

For Deco, Marcus Rashford's talent is clear, but he believes that isolated flashes of quality on the field aren't enough. Barça needs forwards capable of deciding matches with goals and assists, something he still hasn't provided consistently. The sporting director believes the Englishman must take more responsibility on the scoreboard and prove he can truly be decisive.

In the offices, they value players who not only contribute tactical sacrifice but also turn that effort into decisive statistics. Rashford has shown himself to be involved and committed, but his offensive numbers still don't justify the huge gamble that a permanent signing would represent. That is the major obstacle Deco has in mind when evaluating whether Rashford deserves to stay at Camp Nou.