Deco Identifies Contingency Transfer Targets as Marcus Rashford’s Permanent Barcelona Move Hits Financial Stumbling Block

Deco identifies Abde and Schjelderup as backup options if Marcus Rashford's permanent move to Barcelona fails. Get the latest on the 2026 transfer strategy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 3:42 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from YSScores

Financial Hurdles in the Rashford Negotiations

The transition of Marcus Rashford from a loan arrangement to a permanent residency at the Spotify Camp Nou has encountered significant resistance from Manchester United regarding the proposed fee structure. While a £26 million option to buy exists within the current agreement, Barcelona’s executive committee is reportedly hesitant to trigger the full amount due to strict La Liga salary cap regulations. The Catalan club’s preference for an additional season long loan has been met with firm rejection from United officials, who are eager to finalize a permanent sale to facilitate their own squad rebuilding under the expected permanent appointment of Michael Carrick.

Hansi Flick’s Analytical View of the Winger

Head coach Hansi Flick has maintained a balanced perspective on Rashford’s contributions during the 2025, 2026 campaign, where the forward has recorded 11 goals and 13 assists across 40 appearances. Although Flick publicly praised the player’s improved defensive pressing following a decisive winner against Atletico Madrid, internal reports suggest the German tactician remains concerned with Rashford’s erratic finishing and tactical discipline in high intensity transitions. This technical skepticism has encouraged Deco to broaden the search for a left sided attacker who can offer more consistent output for a lower capital investment.

The Potential Return of a Familiar Face

Abde Ezzalzouli has emerged as the leading domestic alternative following an exceptional season at Real Betis, where he has registered six goals and five assists in 22 La Liga matches. Barcelona strategically retained a 20 percent sell on clause following his departure, and despite the expiration of their formal buy back option, the club’s relationship with Betis remains productive. Valued at approximately 30 million euros, the Moroccan international represents a statistically similar profile to Rashford but with a significantly lower wage burden, making him an attractive prospect for a club navigating financial recovery.