Spanish champions FC Barcelona have completed the signing of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on a season long loan , with an option to make the move permanent.
In an official statement on Wednesday, Barcelona announced, “FC Barcelona and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the loan of Marcus Rashford until June 30, 2026. The deal includes a purchase option for the English striker.”
Under the terms of the agreement, Barcelona will cover approximately 75% of Rashford’s £325,000-per-week salary, with the player reportedly waiving the remaining portion, according to Spanish media sources.
The 27-year-old England international found himself out of favour under United’s head coach Ruben Amorim and spent the latter part of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa. Amorim had publicly questioned Rashford’s commitment, leading to the forward’s marginalization at Old Trafford.
Rashford, who rose through Manchester United’s youth ranks and debuted in 2015, has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club. He managed four goals in 17 appearances for Aston Villa before a hamstring injury curtailed his season in April.
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick had previously expressed interest in Rashford and Liverpool winger Luis Díaz, describing both as “fantastic players.” The Catalan side has been seeking reinforcements for the left flank after missing out on Athletic Bilbao star Nico Williams, who opted to extend his contract at San Mamés.
Despite their attacking strength last season—culminating in a domestic treble—Barcelona lacked depth in wide areas behind regulars Raphinha and teenage sensation Lamine Yamal. Rashford is expected to offer competition on the wing and could also serve as backup for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, who turns 37 in August.
Former Manchester United striker Teddy Sheringham criticised Rashford’s push for a move, saying, “If you go from Manchester United to Barcelona, that’s a step up he hasn’t earned.”
Manchester United are reportedly open to offloading several other players this summer, including Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho, as they seek to reshape the squad.
Barcelona may still face hurdles registering Rashford due to ongoing La Liga financial fair play constraints, similar to last season’s difficulties in registering new signings like Dani Olmo. The club will need to balance its finances before officially registering Rashford and new goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
British players have rarely featured for Barcelona in recent decades. Notable exceptions include Gary Lineker, Steve Archibald, and Mark Hughes in the 1980s. More recently, Marcus McGuane briefly appeared for the first team in 2018, while Louie Barry joined the youth setup in 2019 before moving to Aston Villa in 2020.
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