Deco explains Barcelona choice of Gordon over Rashford

Barcelona sporting director Deco has explained why the club chose not to make Marcus Rashford's loan permanent, saying Anthony Gordon's style was a better fit for coach Hansi Flick's system. Speaking to Catalan radio station RAC1 on Thursday, Deco praised Rashford's contribution during his season-long loan but said the club's idea of play aligned more closely with Gordon's. Rashford joined Barcelona from Manchester United on a 12-month loan with an option to buy reported at 30.3 million euros. He scored 14 goals in all competitions as Barcelona won La Liga and the Copa del Rey last season, but the club opted not to trigger the buy clause and the 28-year-old returned to Old Trafford. Instead, Barcelona signed Gordon from Newcastle United in a deal reported at more than 80 million euros, equivalent to roughly 69.3 million pounds, making him one of the club's most expensive summer signings alongside Manchester City midfielder Rodri. Deco said the club had identified a drop in energy when Raphinha was unavailable last season and believed Gordon could solve that problem. "We are extremely grateful to Rashford.