Spanish champions Barcelona have signed Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford on loan until 30 June 2026, with an option to buy at the end of the deal.
“Barcelona and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the loan of Marcus Rashford until 30 June 2026,” the La Liga club announced in a statement on Wednesday.
Spanish media report that Barcelona will cover around 75 per cent of Rashford’s £325,000-a-week wages, with the England international waiving the remainder.
The 27-year-old forward had fallen out of favour under new Manchester United manager Rúben Amorim and spent the latter part of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa, where he scored four goals in 17 appearances before a hamstring injury ended his campaign in April.
Once a fan favourite, Rashford became marginalised at Old Trafford, with Amorim publicly questioning his attitude and commitment. The striker, who graduated from United’s academy and debuted in 2015, has scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for the club.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick praised Rashford and Liverpool’s Luis Díaz in May, describing both as “fantastic players” amid speculation that the Catalan giants were keen to strengthen their left wing. Barca had hoped to sign Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao, but the winger extended his contract with the Basque side.
Rashford could also serve as back-up to veteran striker Robert Lewandowski, who turns 37 in August, providing much-needed depth in attack after Barcelona’s treble-winning campaign last season.
His move to Spain has attracted criticism, with Manchester United legend Teddy Sheringham saying, “From my perspective, if you go from Manchester United to Barcelona, that’s a step up he hasn’t earned.”
Barcelona, meanwhile, continue to face financial constraints and may need to balance their books to register Rashford and newly signed goalkeeper Joan Garcia with La Liga authorities.
British players have historically found limited opportunities at Barcelona, with only a few making the switch since the 1980s — including Gary Lineker, Steve Archibald, and Mark Hughes. More recently, Marcus McGuane and Louie Barry had brief stints with the club’s youth and reserve teams.
Manchester United are expected to offload more players this summer, including Antony, Jadon Sancho, and Alejandro Garnacho.