Rashford transfer could be impacted by big Barcelona change | Football | Sport

Barcelona’s forthcoming presidential ballot could prove crucial in whether Marcus Rashford makes his switch from Manchester United permanent this summer. Rashford is on loan with Barcelona from United, and the Spanish giants have an option to make the move permanent in the summer for a £26million fee.

Joan Laporta recently stepped down as the club’s president to enable him to contest re-election on March 15. Yet, multiple challengers have declared their intention to stand against him – including Joan Camprubi, Marc Ciria, Victor Font and Xavier Vilajoana.

Font previously challenged Laporta five years ago when the lawyer secured 54% of the ballot to commence a second tenure – a decade after his original seven-year period. His nearest challenger was the entrepreneur Font, who garnered almost 30% of the membership vote from Barcelona supporters.

The prospects of sporting director Deco also appear dependent on the presidential outcome. Font has informed the Catalan radio broadcaster RAC1: “Deco won’t be my sporting director.”

The sporting director has addressed the speculation in Barcelona-based publication Sport. Deco said: “I don’t want to get into these things.

“I came here because I believe in Joan’s project – which was about rebuilding – and if I’m staying, it’s because I believe in Joan’s project, which is now about consolidation. If Joan isn’t here, things will change, and therefore I won’t continue.

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“It’s not about Victor Font or anyone else. It’s about what I believe in and my personal life; if something doesn’t fit with my personal life, I’ll leave, that’s it. I have the freedom to choose. I’m not bound by this.

“I came here because of an idea, because I’m a Barca fan and I wanted to help. I believed I could contribute to Laporta’s project.”

Deco stated in December that the club are satisfied with Rashford, though he refrained from confirming whether any decision has been reached regarding a permanent deal for the striker. The sporting director shared his thoughts on the Spanish radio station Cadena SER.

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He said: “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.”

Font, meanwhile, has indicated he would retain head coach Hansi Flick. He said: “My coach will be Hansi Flick,” before adding, “We’ll make sure the existing structure is a better fit for Hansi Flick.”

Rashford’s present manager has likewise praised the England international. Earlier this month, Flick said: “He has much more potential to show still. We always look at the goals, the last passes, but as a coach, he can give us much more. That’s what I want to see.

“I’m very happy with him; he’s giving us what we ask for, but he has more potential. I want everyone to reach their highest level, to always improve.”