Barcelona sign Man United's Marcus Rashford: Deal details, potential debut date, permanent option included

Barcelona have confirmed the arrival of Marcus Rashford on loan from Manchester United, with the England international set to spend the 2025-26 campaign at Camp Nou ahead of a possible permanent switch to the Catalan club.

Rashford spent the second half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, and Unai Emery's side had the chance to purchase him for £40m during this summer's transfer window.

Villa ultimately turned down the chance to bring him to Villa Park on a long-term basis, and there has been a host of speculation surrounding the 27-year-old's future in recent weeks.

Barcelona have always been his dream club, though, and a move to Camp Nou has now been confirmed.

"FC Barcelona and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the loan of the player Marcus Rashford until 30 June 2026. The agreement also establishes an option to buy the English forward," read a statement from Barcelona.

"The player have signed his contract as a Barça player this afternoon in at a private meeting in the presence of the FC Barcelona president, Joan Laporta; the director of the Football Area, and other Board members."

? "Yeah… It’s official."

Rashford follows in Lineker’s footsteps. pic.twitter.com/ZvbnDAtbax

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 23, 2025

Barcelona confirm Rashford arrival on an initial loan deal

Man United have also released their own statement confirming that the move has gone through.

"Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has joined Barcelona on loan for the duration of the 2025/26 season," said the 20-time English champions.

"Since making his Reds debut in 2016, the 27-year-old Academy graduate has registered 426 appearances, scored 138 goals and lifted five major trophies.

"The England international has now agreed a temporary move to Spanish giants Barcelona. Everyone at Manchester United wishes Marcus good luck for the season."

Our new number 14: Marcus Rashford ?❤️ pic.twitter.com/HPBX7HzEsF

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) July 23, 2025

Barcelona can sign Rashford on a permanent basis next summer

According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Rashford will receive a €14m (£12.1m) gross salary for his season at Barcelona, in addition to bonuses linked to appearances.

The forward has allegedly accepted a 15% pay cut, with Man United not covering any of his salary, so it is a hugely beneficial move for the 20-time English champions despite the fact that they have not sold him.

Indeed, Man United will be removing a wage packet of around £300,000 from their budget, while Barcelona will have to pay €30m (£26m) if they want to sign him during next summer's transfer window.

Rashford scored four goals and registered six assists in 17 appearances on loan at Villa last season.

The Englishman's debut for Barcelona could come against Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe on July 27, as he is expected to travel on the club's pre-season tour of Asia.

Written by
Matt Law