Xavier Vilajoana, one of Barcelona’s presidential candidates, has raised doubts over Marcus Rashford completing a permanent move from Manchester United this summer.
Rashford joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United, and the Red Devils’ caretaker manager, Michael Carrick, has already expressed his desire to have the England international back at Old Trafford if he is appointed as permanent head coach at the end of the season.
The 28-year-old is keen to remain at Barcelona on a permanent transfer.
But Vilajoana has now suggested that Rashford’s proposed switch will be reevaluated if he is voted into office, adding that he would prefer exercising the clause of Jan Virgili to re-sign him as an option, rather than paying the Rashford clause.
“I am someone who believes you should always look in-house first, as I have always said, and then look outside depending on the characteristics of the players you have,” Vilajoana told ESPN of the possibility of paying Rashford’s clause.
“For example, I want to give the example of Jan Virgili, who is currently playing for Mallorca. He is a great winger.
“I would maybe look at [exercising the clause to re-sign him] as an option, for example, rather than paying the Rashford clause.
“That said, it’s not just the president who arrives and makes the decision. The president arrives, puts things on the table, alternatives are considered, it’s discussed, and a decision is made.”