Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has completed a season-long loan move to Barcelona, calling the Spanish giants “a club where dreams come true.”
The deal, which includes an option to buy for around £26 million (€30 million), will keep the England international at the Camp Nou until June 2026.
Rashford will wear the No. 14 shirt previously donned by Barcelona greats such as Michael Laudrup, Ronald Koeman, Thierry Henry, and Javier Mascherano.
“I’m very excited,” Rashford said during his official unveiling. “It’s a club where dreams come true. They win big prizes and what the club stands for really means a lot to me. It feels like I’m at home, and that played a big role in my decision.”
Barcelona confirmed the deal in an official statement, noting that Rashford signed his contract in the presence of club president Joan Laporta and other senior officials.
Despite LaLiga’s strict financial regulations, which currently prevent Barcelona from registering new signings due to spending caps, the club remains confident they will finalize registration before the end of August.
Rashford, who had been linked with Barcelona earlier this year and had a brief loan spell at Aston Villa, reportedly caught the attention of new head coach Hansi Flick. The German tactician gave his approval after speaking with the forward.
The move marks a fresh start for Rashford, who has endured a turbulent period at Old Trafford. United’s new boss, Ruben Amorim, had made it clear the academy graduate wasn’t in his plans, publicly questioning Rashford’s commitment. Despite this, Rashford avoided any criticism of the club.
“The situation with Man Utd, the club is in a period of change, and they have been for a while,” he said. “I don’t have anything bad to say. It’s been an important part of my life and career. But football is like life—things don’t always go the way you plan. This is my next chapter, and I’m focused on growing and winning here.”
He cited the club’s football philosophy and Flick’s ambition as key reasons for his decision. “I’ve always been a fan of watching Barcelona play. I love fast, dynamic football. And Coach Flick is a big reason I’m here. He had a great season last year and he’s proven to be one of the top coaches in the game. I want to learn the Barcelona way.”
Though Barcelona had initially targeted Liverpool’s Luis Díaz earlier in the window, that move didn’t materialize. Rashford, who is one of five United players granted time off to explore summer moves, ultimately emerged as the preferred option.
On his first day at the Nou Camp, Rashford made a positive impression delivering confident answers in fluent Spanish and English, radiating optimism, and showing gratitude without dwelling on the past.
While the club’s financial constraints remain a hurdle, Rashford’s signing is another bold step for a Barcelona side aiming to build on their domestic double and make a serious run in the Champions League. And for Rashford himself, it could mark the turning point his career has needed.