After a rocky few seasons at Manchester United, Marcus Rashford is turning the page and heading to sunny Spain, joining none other than FC Barcelona.
It might’ve looked like he was third on their list of potential new strikers, but behind the scenes, he was actually Deco’s top pick from day one.
The sporting director has had his eye on Rashford for a while, and now that dream is becoming a reality.
Almost a Barca Player in January
The plan was nearly sealed in the winter transfer window, but Barcelona’s ongoing financial issues got in the way. Still, the club didn’t give up.
Even though Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams nearly threw a wrench into things by trying to join Barcelona himself, Rashford held on — and now he’s finally in.
From Manchester to the Camp Nou
Rashford’s move marks a historic shift — he’ll be the first Englishman to play for Barcelona since Gary Lineker back in 1989.
He’s already training under new boss Hansi Flick and will head off on Barcelona’s 10-day tour of Japan and South Korea.
While he’s not officially registered yet and can’t play just yet, Rashford is banking on that changing before La Liga kicks off.
Barca’s Striker Shuffle
Barcelona saw Rashford as a smart solution back in January, especially with their tight budget and limited striker options.
But his signing hinged on Ansu Fati leaving — and when Fati refused, Rashford had to wait.
Fast forward to May, and Deco sat down with Rashford’s brother and agent, Dwaine Maynard, and became even more convinced that Marcus was the man for the job.
The Nico Williams Distraction
Things got complicated in June. Just after Spain lost to Portugal in the Nations League final, Williams reignited his desire to join Barca.
Even Lamine Yamal, who considers Williams like a brother, was excited.
At one point, it seemed like Rashford might be pushed aside. But then Williams started making demands: guaranteed registration and a free-exit clause if things went south. Barca said no.
Rashford Gets the Call
With Williams out of the picture, Rashford got the nod.
While the media floated Liverpool’s Luis Diaz as a backup option, he was never financially feasible.
Barcelona’s fine from UEFA for financial violations and the ongoing costs of stadium renovations meant they couldn’t afford Diaz’s hefty price tag.
Barcelona’s Money Woes
It’s been a tough stretch for Barca’s finances.
They’re still paying deferred wages from the pandemic, including a £5.2 million payout to Lionel Messi.
Players like Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are also owed money.
And with their temporary home in Montjuic pulling lower ticket sales, the pressure’s been mounting.
Rashford’s Gamble
Rashford, meanwhile, took a 15% pay cut on his hefty £315,000-a-week salary to help get the deal done.
The club won’t be obligated to sign him permanently unless things work out, but there is a £40 million buy option next summer.
For now, Barcelona just needs to find a way to register him, something that’s proven tricky lately with other signings like goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny.
Who’s Getting Sold?
To make room financially, the club has considered selling some big names.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, for example, could save them £17 million a year, but he’s not eager to leave. Still, his agent is quietly testing the waters.
Defenders Andreas Christensen and Ronald Araujo are also up for sale, along with rising star Fermin Lopez.
What Comes Next
Even if registration is delayed, as it was last year with Dani Olmo, there’s hope Rashford will be cleared to play.
The club is already building his narrative as a selfless team player.
Flick has had in-depth talks with him, and with his English fluency, Rashford will also be a key figure on Barca’s marketing-heavy Asian tour.
Looking Ahead
Barcelona knows what a global pull Jude Bellingham has been for Real Madrid.
Now, with Rashford, they hope to have their own English superstar to reach fans worldwide.
The club believes that by the 2026-27 season, once the Camp Nou renovation is complete and their finances are healthier, this tough phase will be behind them.
For Rashford and Barcelona, this summer could be the start of something big — if the stars align.