England international Marcus Rashford has spoken of his excitement after sealing a season-long loan move to Spanish giants Barcelona from Manchester United.
The much-anticipated deal was finally confirmed on Tuesday evening, bringing an end to weeks of intense speculation surrounding the forward’s future.
Rashford joins the La Liga champions on a 12-month loan that includes an option to make the move permanent next summer for a reported fee of £30 million.
The 26-year-old, who will don the No.14 shirt, becomes only the second English player in a century to represent the Catalan club after legendary striker Gary Lineker.
After his first training session under new Barca head coach Hansi Flick, Rashford is expected to travel with the squad for their pre-season tour of Asia beginning Thursday.
“I’m very excited,” Rashford said in his first interview with the club’s media team. “I think it is a club where dreams come true. They win big prizes, and what the club stands for really means a lot to me as well.
“It feels like I’m at home, and that was a big factor in my choice to come here. For me, it’s a family club, people are comfortable here, and it’s a good place for good players to showcase their skills.”
📞 "Sí… Es oficial."
Rashford sigue los pasos de Lineker. pic.twitter.com/vFcCNwXN0d— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) July 23, 2025
The Manchester-born attacker is coming off a productive loan spell at Aston Villa, where he notched four goals and six assists in 17 appearances, helping them secure a top-four finish in the Premier League.
Looking ahead to his new challenge in Spain, Rashford says fans should expect him to bring speed, flair, and decisive attacking play to a squad that lifted three trophies last season.
“I always try to make decisive actions, fast, dynamic plays, and I always like good football,” he said. “I’ve always been a fan of watching Barcelona play from a young age, like most football fans.
“It’s going to be a joy for me to play here, and I’m going to enjoy every minute of it.”
Rashford also praised manager Hansi Flick, crediting their private talks as instrumental in influencing his decision to join the Blaugrana.
“He’s another key factor and reason I’m here. The conversations that I had with him were very positive,” Rashford said. “What he did last year was terrific. To lead such a young team to a very successful season and still want more shows the level of ambition at this club.”
El nuevo 14 del Barça: Marcus Rashford pic.twitter.com/7JHERUxGEV
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona_es) July 23, 2025
Despite recent tensions at Old Trafford, including a strained relationship with former manager Ruben Amorim, Rashford had only kind words for his boyhood club.
“The situation with United is that the club is in a period of change and they have been for a while,” he said. “I don’t have anything bad to say about Manchester United. It’s been an important part of not only my career but my life.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to play for them. Football is the same as life — not everything goes as simple as you may have thought.
“This is my next step, my next chapter, and I’m fully focused on this.”
With the move now official, all eyes will be on Rashford as he begins a fresh journey in Catalonia, determined to rediscover his best form in the famous Barça colours.
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