“I’ve spoken to people”: Club chief names the team that almost beat them to the punch for high-flying United loanee

Barcelona sporting director Deco has revealed the role Aston Villa played in almost scuppering Marcus Rashford’s move to the Camp Nou last summer. Rashford in Barca heaven Rashford has enjoyed significantly improved fortunes since swapping Manchester United for Barcelona. Having fallen out of favour under now-sacked head coach Ruben Amorim, United sanctioned a season-long loan exit for Rashford, who turned down approaches from other suitors as he made it clear his dream was to play for the Blaugrana. United and Barcelona reached an agreement, which contains the option to make the move permanent for £26m. The Englishman has rediscovered his form in Catalonia, notching 10 goals and 13 assists in 34 appearances across all competitions. There have already been rumours that Barcelona are looking to keep him beyond the end of the campaign. Hansi Flick has been hugely complimentary of the forward, praising him in public many times. A report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Joan Laporta, who is seeking to be re-elected as Barcelona president, has made keeping Rashford a key agenda item of his campaign. Speaking to Sport, Deco revealed that Villa had every intention of keeping Rashford on a permanent deal. In the end, though, it was the player’s unwavering desire to join Barcelona that brought the parties together. Deco’s Rashford transfer revelation Rashford spent the latter half of last season with Villa after Amorim banished him from the team. He enjoyed a slight uptick in form under Unai Emery, playing a key part in Villa’s games in the Premier League and Champions League. Villa had the option of keeping him permanently. Deco told Sport, “Yes, definitely. I think it wasn’t easy to come here. He’s a player who has played at a very high level, with enormous demands at a club like Manchester United.” “Then he spent six months at Aston Villa, where he did a very good job.” “In fact, Aston Villa, if they could have, would have kept him. I know this because I’ve spoken to people there. But he only wanted to come to Barca, and that’s a very positive thing.” “We were able to secure a loan. The fact that he took a pay cut to make it happen is a clear demonstration that he really wanted to come, and we’re very happy about that. He’s a player who contributes a lot to the team.” Asked whether Barcelona will incur a penalty if they don’t sign Rashford permanently, Deco answered, “No, it’s a loan, and we have an option to buy.” Earlier on Wednesday, Barcelona released a statement confirming that Rashford had sustained an injury which will rule him out of their next game against Atletico Madrid. Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!