Marcus Rashford Joins Barcelona on Loan in Surprise Move

• Jul 24, 2025

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has officially joined Spanish champions Barcelona on a 12-month loan deal, marking a major move in the 2025 summer transfer window. The agreement includes an option for Barcelona to sign the 27-year-old England international permanently for £30.3 million (€35 million) in 2026.

This transfer makes Rashford the first English player to sign for Barcelona since Gary Lineker in 1986. It also ends a difficult spell at Manchester United for the academy graduate, who has not featured for the Red Devils since December. Rashford was dropped by head coach Ruben Amorim and later loaned out to Aston Villa for the second half of the 2024–25 season.

Barcelona will cover Rashford’s full wages during his stay, with the player reportedly agreeing to a pay cut to facilitate the move. His arrival strengthens a Barcelona side that won both La Liga and the Copa del Rey last season under manager Hansi Flick.

At his unveiling on Wednesday, Rashford expressed excitement about joining the Spanish giants. “I’m very excited. It’s a club where people’s dreams come true, they win big prizes,” he said. The England forward added that Barcelona had been his favourite club since childhood.

He praised the club’s family-like environment and the opportunity it offers players to grow and shine. “What the club stands for means a lot for me,” Rashford said. “I feel like I’m at home, and a big factor in my choice to come here is because it is a family place and a good place for good players to showcase their skills.”

Rashford also highlighted his conversations with head coach Hansi Flick as a key influence on his decision. He credited Flick for leading a young Barcelona squad to great success last season and admired the coach’s hunger to continue building on that progress.

“I’m eager to learn the Barcelona way,” Rashford added.

The move offers Rashford a chance to revive his career at the highest level after a challenging season at Manchester United. For Barcelona, it’s a low-risk opportunity to add experience and depth to their attacking lineup.