Marcus Rashford's signing by FC Barcelona has completely changed the outlook of the culé attack. The club no longer needs to make a major outlay in that position after adding a top-level player. His arrival has led to silent discards and altered priorities in Deco and Flick's planning.
One of the indirect casualties has been a young winger who had been on the radar for months. An explosive footballer, with a bright future, who fit perfectly alongside Lamine Yamal. His profile—young, fast, and with dribbling ability—fit into all of Barça's growth plans.
However, the current context has changed everything. Barça's right wing already has an undisputed owner in Yamal, and Rashford can play on both sides. That's why reinforcing that area is no longer urgent, and the operation has been frozen without prior notice.
The rejection came from Paris, with its own stamp
Although there was real interest at Barça, in Paris they had everything very clear from the beginning. Luis Enrique, PSG's coach, has been firm in his stance: he won't let him leave. He believes that this footballer will be key this season, both for his development and his tactical fit.
The Asturian coach has strongly backed consolidating a young core, with players trained in Ligue 1. He believes that, with time and trust, they can become essential pieces to reign in Europe again. Barça, with no room to maneuver, has had to withdraw from the bidding.
It hasn't been a matter of money, although that also plays a role. Barça can't compete with PSG's financial muscle or its veto power. In addition, with Rashford newly arrived, it wouldn't make sense to allocate extra resources to that position.
Deco forced to rethink its objectives
With this scenario, Deco has had to readjust its roadmap for the right winger. Although the priority is now at the tip of the attack and in midfield, this operation was highly valued internally. But salary limits prevent entering impossible bidding wars.
That's why, instead of insisting on a negotiation that wasn't going to succeed, the operation has been ruled out. The coaching staff are considering more affordable alternatives or even turning to the youth academy, where there is emerging talent. Meanwhile, PSG are rubbing their hands with the continuity of the young Frenchman.
From the footballer's camp, they've confirmed that there were contacts in the spring, but they weren't formalized. The player valued the possibility of joining Camp Nou, where he would share the wing with Yamal. He understood that Barça's priority was different after Rashford's arrival.
A goodbye without ever arriving
For weeks, there was speculation about his signing, and some media even considered him a possible addition for this summer. Barça had taken note of his potential and the possibility of getting him at a good price in a complicated market. Luis Enrique was clear from the start: there is no possible negotiation.
PSG's coach considers him a unique talent who needs continuity to reach his competitive ceiling. With the Champions League trophy in its pocket, the Parisian club can keep key pieces without selling. This young player fits perfectly into that strategy of securing the best.
Finally, the name that was in the blaugrana orbit was Bradley Barcola, PSG's 22-year-old winger. A young, skillful, and fast profile who excited Can Barça as the ideal partner for Lamine. His future will remain tied to Paris, by direct decision of Luis Enrique.
Thus, Barça loses a promising option but gains stability with Rashford's arrival. Although Barcola won't wear blaugrana, the club is clear that its attack is already covered. At least, for now.