Barcelona’s Deco refutes Marcus Rashford penalty fee claim

Barcelona Director of Football Deco has denied that the Catalan giants must pay a penalty fee if they do not activate their buy option on Marcus Rashford next summer. The England international joined on loan from Manchester United this past summer, and has had a good start to his career in Catalonia.

Rashford arrived from Old Trafford reportedly taking a significant wage cut in order to join Barcelona, and the reporting at the time was that they would be able to make the deal permanent for €30m next summer. There were also some reports that Barcelona would be forced to pay a €5m penalty fee if they decided not to use that option.

‘There’s no penalty clause’ – Deco

Speaking during a recent interview with MD, Deco explained that the deal to bring Rashford was a simple loan, and that Barcelona did have an option to buy him.

“He’s on a simple loan, there’s no penalty, and if we want him, we have an option to buy. It’s too early to talk about decisions for next season, but what matters is that we’re happy with him. What we thought he could bring to us, he’s bringing. He’s a very high-level player; he exploded very early, then he had great seasons at United, then he had years of more complicated management with changes of coaches, and perhaps he struggled too because they demanded a lot of things from him there.”

‘These are decisions for now’ – Deco on making Rashford deal permanent

However there was no intimation over whether Barcelona want to keep Rashford long-term.

“But we’re happy with him; that’s the most important thing. These aren’t decisions for now; now it’s time to focus on the games to come. A decision will be made, but that’s not being discussed right now.”

Nor would he be drawn over the price of that option to buy.

“I don’t know, it’s not that high but I don’t have to say it either, there’s a contract between the clubs but it has to be discussed.”

Deco: “What is missing for De Jong to sign his renewal? We’re talking. Frenkie is really enjoying being here. Maturity at all levels, with the family, in the team… If you are a player with character, you not only want to stay to be in Barcelona, but because you want to compete…

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 29, 2025

Rashford’s strong start to life in Barcelona

After a quiet start to the season, since the September international break Rashford has become an increasingly important contributior for a Barcelona side dealing with the absences of first Lamine Yamal and now Raphinha. The 27-year-old now has two goals and four assists in his eight appearances, but is averaging a goal contribution every 76 minutes. His best performance saw him win the match for Barcelona with a brace against Newcastle United in the Champions League.