Arsenal star Bukayo Saka reacts as Marcus Rashford joins Barcelona
England international Marcus Rashford has completed his loan move from Manchester United to Barcelona.
The 27-year-old fell out of favour with the Old Trafford club and subsequently joined Aston Villa on loan last term.
After struggling for form at Man United, Rashford enjoyed greater success in the West Midlands, notching four goals and five assists in 17 appearances for Unai Emery’s men.
Rashford is now tasked with helping Barcelona retain their La Liga title and the Copa Del Rey in Hansi Flick’s second season in charge of the Catalonian giants.
Saka reacts as Barcelona announce Rashford swoop
Rashford will look to establish a rich vein of form in Spain to get himself back into England contention ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
As reported by BBC Sport, Barcelona boast the option to buy the versatile forward next summer for £30.3 million.
Meanwhile, the La Liga champions announced Rashford’s signature via Instagram on Wednesday, 23 July, with a photo of the England star in a telephone box, captioned: “Hello? Barca? For sure, I’m coming.”
Barcelona’s post attracted a like from Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka, who is vying to help the Gunners win silverware next term.
Ruben Amorim completes vital business as Rashford departs Manchester United
Football Insider verdict
Rashford is facing a potential uphill battle to enjoy regular game time at Barcelona amid strong competition from wingers Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, as well as striker Robert Lewandowski.
| Marcus Rashford Aston Villa stats | All competitions 2024/25 |
| Appearances | 17 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 5 |
But regardless of how the former Aston Villa man performs for the Catalonian outfit, Ruben Amorim has completed an important piece of business by facilitating his exit.
After the Red Devils finished 15th in the Premier League last term, Amorim faces a vital summer transfer window as he looks to put his stamp on the Old Trafford club.
Albeit Rashford had fallen out of favour in the North West, Man United have still completed a significant piece of business by allowing such a high-profile figure to join a Champions League contender.
Rashford’s exit paves the way for Amorim to continue bolstering his forward line after signing Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford and Matheus Cunha from Wolves.
Amorim needs both the former Bees star and the Brazil international to perform better than Rashford did before he joined Villa on loan.