Marcus Rashford has taken a major step in his football career. The 27-year-old forward has passed a medical at Barcelona, moving closer to completing a high-profile loan deal from Manchester United. The England international landed in Catalonia on Sunday night and completed his medical at the club’s training facility on Monday morning, where he was welcomed by manager Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.
Swift Progress in Negotiations
Talks between Manchester United and Barcelona advanced quickly over the past week. Both clubs agreed in principle to a season-long loan over the weekend. As part of the arrangement, Barcelona will pay Rashford’s full wages after he agreed to take a 25% salary cut, saving United an estimated £14 million.
The agreement includes a buy option at the end of the loan period, set at £30.3 million (€35 million). This opens the door for Barcelona to make the deal permanent next summer if Rashford performs well.
From Unwanted to Key Signing
Rashford’s move comes after a period of instability at United. In December, he expressed a desire for a new challenge after being dropped by then-new manager Ruben Amorim. Since then, he spent a six-month loan spell with Aston Villa, where he regained some form and match sharpness.
Although he returned to Old Trafford in June, Rashford was not in Amorim’s long-term plans. Barcelona quickly emerged as his preferred destination. According to insiders, he saw the Spanish giants as the perfect place to relaunch his career.
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Set to Join Pre-Season Tour
Barcelona aim to finalize all registration requirements in time for Rashford to join the club’s pre-season tour of Japan and South Korea. The tour begins Thursday, and Rashford could feature in a friendly against FC Seoul on July 31. If selected, he might face former teammate Jesse Lingard, who is now in his second season with the K League side.
Although La Liga registration hurdles remain, Rashford is still eligible to train with the team and play in non-competitive matches. His inclusion in the tour would allow him to build chemistry with new teammates and adapt to manager Flick’s system before the season kicks off.
United Teammates React
Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba, now with Monaco, voiced support for Rashford’s move. In a recent interview with YouTuber IShowSpeed, Pogba said, “I’m happy for him because they (United) took his number. Manchester United are losing a great player. It’s great for Barcelona.”
He added, “It’s not really Amorim’s fault. If he doesn’t believe in someone, he needs to win. If he doesn’t win, they’re going to sack him.”
Such comments highlight the mixed feelings surrounding Rashford’s exit. Though he struggled under Amorim, Rashford scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for United, marking him as one of the club’s most productive homegrown forwards.
Barcelona’s Perspective
Barcelona view Rashford as a valuable addition. The club believes his pace, experience, and versatility can enhance their attacking depth. With a reduced wage commitment and an affordable buyout clause, the deal represents low financial risk with potentially high reward.
Manager Hansi Flick has been eager to add width and speed to his squad. Rashford fits the profile perfectly. He can operate on either wing or as a central striker, giving Flick tactical flexibility for the upcoming season.
Barcelona plan to officially present Rashford to the media on Wednesday, shortly before the team flies to Asia. Fans hope the former United star will thrive in Spain and add firepower to a side chasing domestic and European success.
Rashford’s arrival could signal a new chapter—not only in his own career, but also for a Barcelona team in transition.
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