After intense negotiations that spanned several weeks, FC Barcelona are finally set to welcome Marcus Rashford to Camp Nou. According to widespread reports and confirmations from renowned transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, the Manchester United forward is on the verge of joining the Catalan giants on loan.
While the agreement is expected to be a temporary one for now, Barcelona have reportedly secured a clause that would allow them to make the deal permanent next summer for a fixed fee.
Softfootball reported that Barcelona had reached an advanced stage in the negotiation, and according to Mundo Deportivo, Rashford is scheduled to arrive in Barcelona in the next 24–48 hours. A routine medical will likely take place on Sunday or Monday, with his official unveiling expected on Tuesday.
The 27-year-old England international, who has had an up-and-down couple of seasons at Old Trafford, has apparently agreed to a considerable pay cut to make the move happen. Rashford is said to have slashed his €18 million-a-year salary by 30%, easing Barcelona’s financial burden and paving the way for a full wage commitment from the La Liga club during the loan spell.
Barcelona’s option to buy next summer reportedly stands at just €35 million a fee that seems modest considering Rashford’s talent and experience, particularly if he rediscovers his top form in Spain.
Though not their initial transfer target, with earlier efforts aimed at signing Nico Williams and Luis Díaz falling through, Barça view Rashford as a strong addition to a frontline that heavily relied on Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski, and Raphinha last season.
Rashford is expected to join the squad for their upcoming pre-season tour of Asia, where he will begin his adaptation under manager Hansi Flick and look to rejuvenate his career in La Liga. His performance will determine if Barcelona will make his move permanent or not.
