Marcus Rashford will join Barcelona for loan for the 2025-26 season, with the Laliga champion having the option to sign him permanently of £26 million next summer
Marcus Rashford was able to quickly go from a Barcelona sub to a starter after being hit by the transfer dilemma. The 27-year-old Rashford completed his seasonal loan move to Barca after seeing Manchester United’s career become sour last week.
After returning from loan spells with Aston Villa, England International was ordered to train him to stay away from United’s first team as he and his four teammates were placed in the “bomb squad.” But now, Rashford has turned the page and feels “at home” just a few days after landing in Barcelona. Prior to his move, he includes an option of £26 million.
The forward made his debut on Saturday as Barca beat Japan’s Side Bissel Kobe 3-1, Friendly before the season. Rashford played 30 minutes and a pass to Robert Lewandowski was key in setting the second goal for tourists, scored by a new signature signed to Rooney Bardozi.
But how long will he and Lewandowski share the same dressing room? Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo reports that Rashford’s new teammate is being monitored by a Saudi Arabian club.
It’s no secret that Barcelona can do with cash inflows. Their top target, Nico Williams, did not guarantee an immediate registration with Laliga, causing the £50 million transfer to collapse, urging Hansifrik’s side to pursue Rashford.
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Lewandowski turns 37 in a few weeks and despite hitting 42 goals last season, Barca has decided to decide if he receives a favorable bid. His departure will be a taste of Rashford, and will lead to a centre-forward vacant seat.
United lenders recently preferred to play center rather than where he made his debut in Japan, suggesting that he was “more natural” as No. 9. “For me, playing as number nine is becoming more comfortable and more natural,” Rashford told YouTube channel Xbuyer last month.
“Little things like going back to the finish line have become easier for me. You’re always in front of the finish line, so it’s always dangerous.”
Should Barcelona sell Robert Lewandowski and use Marcus Rashford as number 9? Please speak in the comments section.
Rashford is set to begin a season that will make up for Barcelona’s established front 3 Ramin Yamal, Lewandowski and Raphinha at Sthing Stand. This served as the perfect study of Lewandowsky, thriving last season, scoring 19 goals and whether he came out of the bench or not from the start.
Torres is looking forward to more starts this season as Flick manages Lewandowski’s minutes. But the move to Saudi Arabia depends on the striker’s decision. And now he and his family are happy in Catalonia after Barca extended their contract to 2026 earlier this year.
After Barcelona landed in Asia for their pre-season tour, Lewandowski was asked if this would be their final season with the La Liga Champions. “There’s a lot in my mind,” Paul replied.
“What’s important to me is that it’s not what happens at the end of the season, it’s something we can do this season. There’s peace of mind. Let’s take a look at this season first.”
Lewandowski is also excited to play with Rashford. “He’s a huge talent. I remember playing Manchester United (2023) in 2023.
Flick agrees and praises Rashford as his side prepares to face South Korean giants Seoul on Thursday. “Marcus is a great player,” the Barca boss said.
“I’ve been following him for many years since he began his career at United. He has a lot of quality and I hope he can show it with his team this season.”
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