Marcus Rashford has recently completed a move to Barcelona, which will see him depart Manchester United for at least one season.
Marcus Rashford’s nearly two-decade association with Manchester United came to an end last week, with the forward securing a loan deal to Barcelona with an option to buy, after manager Rúben Amorim viewed the forward as surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.
The Academy graduate, who has made 426 appearances for the club, scoring 138 goals and providing 77 assists, has now made the switch to the Catalan giants, and with a £30 million buy option at the end of his loan, it’s most likely that his move will be made permanent.
He spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa following a reported falling out with Amorim over training standards. Although Rashford impressed during his stint in Birmingham, Villa ultimately decided against activating the £40 million buy option.
Rashford will wear the number 14, as the 27-year-old will look to revive his career ahead of the World Cup next year.
Shearer thinks Rashford’s made the right choice
Barcelona had been linked with a move for Rashford for some time, with the deal for a season-long loan finally coming to fruition. After Rashford expressed his excitement to play for the Catalan giants, Alan Shearer believes that the winger has made the right choice.
“It could be a huge move for Marcus Rashford, that all depends on him,” the all-time Premier League goalscorer explained.
“I guess, and he probably thinks that it’s time for a reset, and if he can forget what’s gone on in the past, the good and the bad, then he’s got a great opportunity to kickstart his career again.
“It doesn’t get much bigger than Barcelona, so Hansi Flick and the club clearly believe in him; they’re paying his full salary, and there’s a clause at the end of the loan if they want to sign him on a permanent basis, so what an opportunity for Marcus to have a career reset.
“Barcelona believe they can get the very best out of him, and if they can, it could turn out to be a shrewd signing.
“But you also have to look at it and think it’s a little bit of a gamble because we’ve not seen anywhere near the heights that he hit all those years ago for a long time now. Only Marcus knows where he is mentally and physically.”
Rashford’s move is best for both clubs
Although there were a few signs during his stint at Villa Park that Marcus Rashford would remain at Birmingham beyond last season, his transfer to Barcelona now carries a clear sense of closure.
For the Catalan side, securing Rashford for £26 million plus add-ons is somewhat of a bargain for a player of his calibre. From United’s perspective, offloading his £325,000-a-week wages gives them financial breathing room and will also get a decent fee next season if the buy option is activated.
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From Barcelona’s perspective, Rashford will provide key depth and versatility across the front line. He can play off the wing in case of injury to Raphinha or Lamine Yamal, and also has the ability to play through the middle, offering backup to an ageing Robert Lewandowski.
Rashford now has the possibility to reset his career away from the English spotlight and can try to give Thomas Tuchel a selection headache as he attempts to fight his way back into the England squad ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Alan Shearer was speaking to Betfair.
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