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We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
We have a curated list of the most noteworthy news from all across the globe. With any subscription plan, you get access to exclusive articles that let you stay ahead of the curve.
Marcus Rashford says he feels “at home” at Barcelona after sealing a season-long loan move from Manchester United, bringing an end to a tumultuous chapter at Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old England international joins the Spanish champions on an initial 12-month loan, with Barcelona holding a £30.3m (€35m) option to make the deal permanent in 2026.
Rashford becomes the first Englishman since Gary Lineker in 1986 to sign for the Catalan giants, who won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey last season under Hansi Flick.
The forward, who had been frozen out at United since last December by manager Ruben Amorim, spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Aston Villa. In July, he was one of five senior players who informed United of their intention to leave.
“I’m very excited. It’s a club where people’s dreams come true,” Rashford said in his unveiling on Barcelona’s official YouTube channel.
“I feel like I’m at home. It’s a family place and a great environment for players to show their talent.”
He praised Flick’s influence in the move, saying their conversations were “very positive” and praising the manager for leading “a young team to great success” last season.
Barça Cover Wages as Rashford Takes Pay Cut
Barcelona will pay Rashford’s full salary, though the player agreed to a reduced wage to facilitate the move. The arrangement will save United between £14m and £15m in wages over the next year.
He trained with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday and is expected to join the squad flying to Japan for a pre-season tour later this week.
This marks Rashford’s first move abroad since breaking into the United first team in 2016, where he scored 138 goals in 426 games, won five trophies, and rose to 15th on the club’s all-time top scorers list.
A Prolonged and Public Exit
Rashford’s exit has been a slow-burning saga. He was dropped for the Manchester Derby on 15 December 2024, with Amorim questioning his effort in training and hinting he would prefer to field a coach than a player “who doesn’t give his maximum.”
His time under Erik ten Hag was also turbulent. Despite signing a new five-year contract in 2023 following a 30-goal season, Rashford’s form plummeted, managing only eight goals in 43 appearances in 2023/24.
He was disciplined multiple times, including for lateness, partying after defeats, and reporting ill after being spotted in Belfast nightclubs.
Despite all this, Rashford held no ill will toward United, calling the club “an important part” of his life.
“I wish them all the best. United is in a period of change. I’m grateful for what the club gave me,” he told reporters.
“But I want to win the biggest trophies, and Barcelona is the perfect place. It’s a historic club, and I want to help them win the Champions League.”
Analysis: United Move On, Barcelona Bet on Potential
For United, offloading a once-prized asset to a European rival may seem odd—but the decision reflects necessity over optics. Amorim is focused on reshaping the squad, and Rashford was no longer in his plans.
While the move could prove a masterstroke for Barcelona, especially if Rashford rekindles his old form, it also frees up significant wage space for United as they continue their rebuild.
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