Marcus Rashford has expressed his strong desire to make his move to Barcelona permanent, saying that his time in Spain has given him a renewed sense of purpose and freedom on the pitch. The 27-year-old England international, currently on loan from Manchester United, joined the Catalan club at the start of the season and has quickly adapted to life under coach Hansi Flick.
Barcelona are covering Rashford’s full wages for the duration of the season-long loan, after the forward accepted a pay cut to facilitate the move. The deal also includes an option to buy, reportedly set at €30 million (£25.6 million). Although Rashford’s contract with Manchester United runs until 2028, his relationship with the club deteriorated last year following a fallout with then-manager Ruben Amorim.
Speaking to ESPN, Rashford said:
“For sure, I’d love to stay. I’m enjoying my football again, and I think anyone who loves the game understands what Barcelona represents. It’s one of the great clubs in football history, and it’s an honour to wear this shirt.”
Since his arrival at Camp Nou, Rashford has been in excellent form, scoring five goals and assisting six in 12 appearances across all competitions. His resurgence has drawn praise from both fans and pundits, many of whom see him as a rejuvenated version of the dynamic attacker who once lit up Old Trafford.
| Player Statistics – Marcus Rashford (Barcelona 2025 Season) | Figures |
|---|---|
| Appearances (All Competitions) | 12 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 6 |
| Loan Duration | 1 Season |
| Option to Buy | €30 million |
| Contract with Manchester United Until | 2028 |
The forward attributes much of his improved mindset to the change in environment and the opportunity to experience a different football culture.
“People forget, I spent 23 years of my life with Manchester United. Sometimes you just need a change, and I think that’s what happened with me. I’m enjoying everything about this new chapter,” Rashford reflected.
Rashford’s comments come just days before what would be his first-ever El Clásico, a fixture steeped in footballing drama between Barcelona and Real Madrid. The match, set to take place at the Santiago Bernabéu, could further establish Rashford’s place in the hearts of Barcelona supporters if he delivers a big performance.
His situation draws parallels to other English players who revitalised their careers abroad — such as Jude Bellingham, who has flourished at Real Madrid, and David Beckham, who also left Manchester United for Spain two decades ago and found new life with Los Blancos.
For Rashford, however, the focus remains firmly on football. His adaptation to the possession-heavy, fluid system of La Liga has been impressive, and his blend of pace, creativity, and tactical intelligence has made him a key figure in Barcelona’s attack this season.
If the Catalan giants decide to activate the buy clause, Rashford could become one of the few English forwards to carve out a long-term career in Spanish football — a path once deemed unlikely for Premier League stars.
With his rediscovered confidence and form, Marcus Rashford’s story in Barcelona may just be beginning.