Barcelona sporting director Deco has explained why Marcus Rashford was snubbed by the club.
The Spanish giants brought in the English winger on a season-long loan with an option to buy for £30.3million.
Despite scoring 14 goals and winning the La Liga title and Copa del Rey, Barcelona opted not to bring in the forward on a permanent basis.
Instead, the Catalans forked out a hefty £69.3m fee for Rashford’s compatriot Anthony Gordon, who has settled into life in Barcelona quickly.
Deco, speaking to Catalan radio station RAC1 on Thursday, praised Rashford for his efforts last season but feels Gordon was a better fit.
He said: “We are extremely grateful to Rashford.
“He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony’s. His style fits with what the coach is looking for.”
Deco explained Barcelona needed a burst of energy when former Leeds winger Raphinha was unavailable.
Marcus Rashford was not bought on a permanent move by Barcelona
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GETTYThe club believed ex-Newcastle forward Gordon was ready-made to come in and do that role.
He said: “In the case of Gordon, we saw that he was one of the figures we needed.
“When Raphinha wasn’t on the pitch, the team lost energy, and with him we could solve it.
“The big advantage we had is that the player wanted to come, and he was able to put on pressure [at Newcastle to be allowed to leave].”
Deco said Rashford ‘contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony’s. His style fits with what the coach is looking for’
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GETTYDeco continued: “We had a clear idea of what we’re looking for.
“We needed more intensity. We analysed a lot of wingers. Signing someone from the Premier League is almost impossible, but [Flick] was clear with what he wanted and we worked on a deal from there.”
Gordon has already racked up four assists in his opening five games, with Barcelona winning all four of their LaLiga fixtures.
The Englishman spoke highly of Barcelona upon signing for the club, saying: “To play with Lamine [Yamal] and the rest of the players is very exciting for me.
Anthony Gordon has settled into life at Barcelona
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“I think the more players with quality around you, the better you are going to be.
“These players are at the very top level for a reason. They are the best players in the world.
“They have so much quality; when we [Newcastle] played them at St James’ Park, we could not touch the ball.”
Gordon signed until 2031 with Barcelona after finishing as Newcastle’s top scorer last season with 17 goals.
