Marcus Rashford has joined Barcelona on loan from Manchester United until June 2026, with the Spanish champions confirming the deal on Wednesday. The agreement includes an option for the Catalan club to purchase the 27-year-old forward at the end of the loan period.
Barcelona will pay approximately 75 percent of Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages, with the England international reportedly waiving the remainder to facilitate the move.
Rashford, who made his debut for United in 2015, had fallen out of favour under new manager Ruben Amorim. He spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, scoring four goals in 17 appearances before a hamstring injury curtailed his campaign in April.
Speaking to reporters at his unveiling, Rashford expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter in his career.
“I feel like my choice was easy. It’s a family club, something I’m used to from my past. It feels like home, so I feel like I’ve made the right decision,” said Rashford.
“I’m just excited to get going and eager to play the first game. It’s a special moment for me.”
Despite being sidelined at his boyhood club, Rashford refused to criticise Manchester United, instead describing them as an essential part of his life and career.
“The situation with United is that the club is in a period of change and they have been for a while. I don’t have anything bad to say about Manchester United,” he said.
“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 simply as you may have thought. This is my next step, my next chapter.”
Rashford will wear the number 14 shirt at Barcelona, famously worn by Thierry Henry among others.
“To wear this shirt is an honour and I’m ready to do my best,” said the forward. “The club is built on winning and I’m here to try and add to this history.”
Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick had publicly praised Rashford and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz earlier this year, with the club keen to bolster their options on the left flank. Rashford’s arrival provides depth behind Raphinha and rising star Lamine Yamal, as well as potential cover for veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, who turns 37 next month.
“I’m ready for whatever challenges may come, and I’m going to enjoy the ups and the downs, the positives and the negatives,” said Rashford.
Barcelona are still facing financial constraints when it comes to registering players. Reports in Spain suggest that the club may need to make further adjustments to accommodate Rashford and new goalkeeper Joan Garcia within La Liga’s salary limits.
Regardless, Rashford is confident in his decision.
“Regardless of what happens in the next season, I’m not going to regret my decision,” he said.
Few British players have pulled on the famous Blaugrana shirt. In the 1980s, Gary Lineker, Steve Archibald and Mark Hughes all spent time at Camp Nou, with Lineker netting 52 goals during his three-year stint.
Asked if he could emulate the former England striker, Rashford replied: “I hope so. Of course, it would be good for me to score lots of goals and be the highest scoring British player to play for Barcelona, but it’s more important to me that we win.”