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Barcelona confirm loan signing of Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford as attacker ‘follows in Gary Lineker’s footsteps’
In a sensational transfer twist, Marcus Rashford has completed a season-long loan move to FC Barcelona, marking a fresh chapter in the England international’s career after a turbulent spell at Manchester United.
The 27-year-old forward had been frozen out by new United manager Rúben Amorim since December 2024, following a reported fallout over his attitude during training sessions. A brief loan stint at Aston Villa provided a glimmer of resurgence for Rashford, but a season-ending injury halted his momentum.
Now fit and ready, Rashford joins Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side in a bid to rejuvenate his career and fight for a place in a team stacked with attacking talent. The La Liga champions will cover his wages throughout the loan, although Rashford has agreed to take a significant pay cut from his original £325,000-a-week salary.
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Barcelona reportedly have a £26 million option to make the deal permanent next summer. Sources close to the club suggest Rashford became their top target after missing out on Nico Williams, who opted to sign a decade-long deal with Athletic Bilbao.
Rashford’s arrival follows the signings of goalkeeper Joan Garcia and Swedish-Moroccan sensation Roony Bardghji, as Flick builds a side capable of contending for European dominance.
Breaking into the first team will be no easy feat. Rashford will need to battle Lamine Yamal, the 17-year-old phenom who netted 18 goals and provided 16 assists last season, and Raphinha, who enjoyed a career-best campaign with 34 goals and 17 assists.
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Despite the challenge, Rashford’s signing has sparked excitement among Culés, with fans in Barcelona unveiling a mural in his honour, welcoming him into the Blaugrana family. According to Mundo Deportivo, he will wear the No.14 shirt, last donned by Pablo Torre, now at Mallorca.
Rashford leaves Manchester United with a strong legacy, having won five major trophies and scored 138 goals in 426 appearances. He has also featured 62 times for England, scoring 17 goals, and was once regarded as one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents.
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Now, with a fresh environment, reduced pressure, and the lure of the Nou Camp, Rashford has the opportunity to rewrite his narrative on the grandest stage. All eyes will be on how he fits into Flick’s system as Barcelona gear up for another assault on La Liga and Champions League glory.
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