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Marcus Rashford has agreed to a 15% wage reduction to join Barcelona on loan, with the forward arriving in Spain Sunday night to complete the move. The 26-year-old has dropped his £315,000-per-week salary to facilitate the deal amid the Catalan club’s ongoing financial restrictions.
Barcelona identified Rashford as their top summer target after exploring options like Liverpool’s Luis Díaz and Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams. Despite those alternatives, it’s Rashford who has made the move — although his official registration may be delayed until after Barça’s preseason tour of Asia due to La Liga financial constraints.
Last summer, similar budget issues saw new signing Dani Olmo miss the start of the season. This time, Rashford’s willingness to take a financial hit improves the chances of a smoother transition, though final clearance is still pending.
January Deal Collapsed Over Fati
A deal for Rashford nearly went through in January, but La Liga rules required Barcelona to sell before making new signings. With no takers for Ansu Fati at the time, the move was shelved. Fati has since joined Monaco, opening the door for renewed talks this summer.
No Purchase Option in Loan
Rashford’s loan to Barcelona doesn’t include an obligation to buy. The England international has already expressed enthusiasm about teaming up with Lamine Yamal, who recently switched to the iconic No.10 shirt.
Following a successful medical on Monday, Rashford is expected to train with his new teammates for the first time on Tuesday.
Iconic Shirt Numbers Up for Grabs
Rashford is reportedly considering shirt numbers 14, 19, or 22. The No.14 has deep ties to club legend Johan Cruyff and was later worn by Thierry Henry — one of Rashford’s football idols. No.19, recently vacated by Yamal, also carries significance, having once belonged to Lionel Messi.
Pogba Reacts: “United Losing a Great Player”
Paul Pogba shared his thoughts on Rashford’s move during a live stream with YouTuber IShowSpeed. The former United midfielder said, “Manchester United are losing a great player. Unlucky for them. It’s great for Barcelona.”
He added that Rashford’s departure isn’t necessarily on new manager Rúben Amorim: “If he doesn’t believe in someone, he needs to win. If he doesn’t, they’ll sack him.”
Rashford’s old No.10 shirt at United has already been taken by new signing Matheus Cunha, who joined from Wolves in a £62.5 million deal.
