FC Barcelona and Manchester United have reached a formal agreement for the loan of English forward Marcus Rashford until 30 June 2026. The deal also includes an option to buy, allowing Barça to make the move permanent should they choose to.
Rashford officially signed his contract as a Barça player in a private meeting attended by club president Joan Laporta, the director of the Football Area, and other senior board members.
“Barça is a place where dreams come true”
On his first day wearing the famous blaugrana colours, Rashford expressed deep excitement about this next chapter in his career:
“Coming to Barça is all that I dreamt. This is a place where dreams come true. Here, good players can enjoy the game — and I really love football.”
He also emphasized his ambition and determination:
“I want to help this team win trophies. That motivation, and the ambition to grow as a player, is one of the main reasons I came.”
The 26-year-old had special praise for Barça coach Hansi Flick, whose work last season impressed him:
“The work he did was sensational. He’s been really important in this process.”
From Manchester to Barcelona: A Journey of Milestones
Born in Manchester, Rashford began his footballing journey with Fletcher Moss Rangers before joining Manchester United’s youth academy at age 7. He made his senior debut in February 2016, scoring twice on debut in a Europa League match against Midtjylland under former Barça manager Louis van Gaal.
Only three days later, he scored twice more in his Premier League debut against Arsenal and assisted another, becoming United’s third-youngest scorer in Premier League history.
He would go on to break multiple records, including becoming the youngest scorer in a Manchester derby and the youngest Englishman to score on his national team debut, just 208 days after turning 18.
Achievements and Impact
- Europa League (2017)
- 2 FA Cups
- 2 League Cups
- 1 Community Shield
- 30 goals in 2022/23 season
- Given an MBE for his social activism against child poverty
Rashford also took on the prestigious number 10 shirt at United in 2018, becoming a central figure in their attack.
In the second half of the 2024/25 season, he was loaned to Aston Villa, where under Unai Emery he registered 4 goals and 5 assists in 17 matches.
Versatility and Vision
A right-footed attacker with pace, technical ability, and a sharp eye for goal, Rashford is capable of playing across the front line — traits that will add significant depth and dynamism to Hansi Flick’s squad.
As the Joan Gamper Trophy match nears and pre-season intensifies, Rashford will now aim to quickly integrate into the team and begin his Barcelona chapter with impact — backed by a fanbase eager to welcome him into the Camp Nou legacy.
