Deco on Rashford: Decision on His Future Pending
Barcelona’s Director of Football, Deco, has provided an update on the club’s star players, including Marcus Rashford, who is currently on loan from Manchester United. The Blaugrana reportedly have a buy option of €30 million on the English forward. Rashford has started the season strongly, with six goals and nine assists in 19 appearances, averaging a direct involvement every 83 minutes. However, he faces tough competition from Raphinha for the left-wing spot. In an interview with SER Catalunya, Deco confirmed that no decision has been made regarding Rashford’s future. “Nothing has been decided with Marcus Rashford. It’s not the time to make decisions about the future. We’re happy with him; Rashford is giving us a lot. Strategically, it’s not the time to talk about signings,” Deco stated. The club is currently focusing on the present, evaluating Rashford’s contributions, and will make a decision based on the team’s needs.
Ter Stegen’s Future: A Complex Scenario
Speculation surrounding the future of Barcelona’s captain, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, has been rampant. Germany’s national team manager, Julian Nagelsmann, has made it clear that ter Stegen must play regularly to secure a place at the upcoming World Cup. There have been discussions about a loan move for the 32-year-old until the end of the season. Deco addressed these rumors, explaining that ter Stegen can play as the first, second, or third goalkeeper. “Ter Stegen can be the third, first, or second goalkeeper. When we signed Joan Garcia, we knew he had a present and a future. Nobody has a contract that guarantees playing time, and that decision rests with the coach,” Deco clarified. The club is focusing on the immediate context, and ter Stegen’s options will be reassessed once he is fully fit and available to play.
Lewandowski’s Uncertain Future
Another veteran whose future at Barcelona is uncertain is Robert Lewandowski. The 37-year-old striker is out of contract in the summer, and there are discussions about whether Barcelona will seek to move on from him. Deco emphasized that Lewandowski is currently the club’s number nine and that speculation about signings is premature. “At the moment, the number 9 is Robert Lewandowski. It is normal to speculate about signings, but this is not the time. We cannot and should not think about that. First, we have to win this year. We should not talk to players who are under contract at other clubs. I always say that we should not obsess over the number 9,” he said. Deco also noted that Lewandowski has provided significant contributions and still has a lot to offer. “Robert is a player who has given us a lot and I think he still has a lot to give us. We have not spoken to him yet about his renewal,” he added.
No January Transfers: Focus on Stability
Deco has firmly stated that there will be no incomings or outgoings for Barcelona in the January transfer market. This decision is rooted in the club’s strategic planning and the current squad’s dynamics. “Exits? There won’t be any, not even ter Stegen. First of all, he has to recover,” Deco declared. He explained that the club had clear plans for renewals, not just for the current season but for long-term stability. “When we thought about the squad, we had the renewals clear. Not just for this season, but to find stability for the future. Nowadays we have suffered a lot with injuries, that conditions you. It is very difficult for a signing in the winter market to work well, it is difficult to find good players,” he elaborated. The role of a sporting director, Deco highlighted, involves more than just the transfer market; it requires a deep understanding of the team’s day-to-day operations.
Lewandowski’s Continued Importance
Despite the approaching end of Lewandowski’s contract, Deco remains convinced of the striker’s value to the team. “Robert is a player who has given us a lot and I think he still has a lot to give us. We have not spoken to him yet about his renewal,” he reiterated. Lewandowski’s performances have been consistent, and his experience and goal-scoring ability are invaluable. The club’s focus is on leveraging his contributions to achieve the season’s objectives. “We cannot and should not think about that. First, we have to win this year. We should not talk to players who are under contract at other clubs. I always say that we should not obsess over the number 9,” Deco stressed, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a positive and focused environment.
Ter Stegen’s Return and Squad Stability
Ter Stegen has recently returned to training, and reports suggest he is coming around to the idea of leaving the club for more playing time. However, Deco made it clear that such a move is not imminent. “Ter Stegen has recently returned to training, and he is expected to be fit to play in 2026. However, most believe that Joan Garcia will continue as the number one. The club’s focus is on stability and ensuring that the team is well-prepared for the challenges ahead,” Deco explained. The 32-year-old’s return to fitness is a positive sign, and the club will reassess his role once he is fully available. “First, we have to understand the context. We don’t like to think about the future. When he is available to play, he will look for options to play,” Deco concluded, highlighting the club’s commitment to a balanced and strategic approach.
