Spanish champions Barcelona have secured the loan signing of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, with an option to buy, the club announced on Wednesday.
“Barcelona and Manchester United have reached a deal for the loan of the player Marcus Rashford until June 30, 2026,” the La Liga club said in a statement. “The agreement also establishes an option to buy the English forward.”
According to Spanish media, Barcelona will cover around 75 percent of Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages, while the player has reportedly agreed to forgo the remainder.
The 27-year-old England international had fallen out of favour under United manager Ruben Amorim, spending the latter half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa. Amorim had publicly questioned Rashford’s commitment and work ethic, leading to his marginalisation at Old Trafford.
Rashford, who made his debut for United in 2015, scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club. However, his final months were marked by inconsistency and injury, including a hamstring issue that cut short his loan spell at Villa, where he managed four goals in 17 matches.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick had previously praised Rashford and Liverpool winger Luis Diaz, calling them “fantastic players” as the Catalans searched for reinforcements on the left flank. The club had hoped to land Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, but he opted to extend his stay at San Mames.
Rashford’s arrival gives Barca depth both on the wing and as cover for ageing striker Robert Lewandowski, who turns 37 in August.
Despite winning a domestic treble last season, Barcelona were thin on options behind wingers Raphinha and Lamine Yamal. Rashford is expected to add versatility and experience to Flick’s frontline.
His move, however, has not been without criticism. Former United striker Teddy Sheringham argued that Rashford didn’t merit a move to a club of Barcelona’s stature, telling SkyBet: “From my perspective, if you go from Manchester United to Barcelona, that’s a step up that he hasn’t deserved.”
Meanwhile, Manchester United continue a major squad overhaul, with several players — including Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho — reportedly up for sale.
Barcelona may face registration challenges with La Liga due to financial fair play restrictions, having already added goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer. Last season, the club struggled to register new signings including Dani Olmo.
Rashford becomes one of the rare British players to join Barcelona. Notable predecessors include Gary Lineker, Mark Hughes, and Steve Archibald in the 1980s, with few others making the move since.
