Marcus Rashford's signing by Barça has already caused its first direct consequence. The English forward arrives in Barcelona on loan, with a purchase option, and with Hansi Flick's full trust. This addition automatically triggers a domino effect within the squad.
Rashford will compete for minutes with Raphinha, Ferran Torres, and Lamine Yamal in a very crowded front line. Flick seeks versatility, verticality, and experience, and sees the Englishman as a useful piece from day one. His arrival will force several roles to be redefined, and there is already a first victim.
One of the club's young strikers knows that his chances have been reduced to the bare minimum. The coaching staff has already informed him that he is not in the plans for this season. From now on, his future depends on finding an immediate exit.
Rashford doesn't compromise the budget
Barça has closed the deal without compromising its short-term finances, something key this summer. Rashford arrives on loan and the club will only assume his salary, without paying an initial transfer fee to United. The purchase option is set at 30 million, but it is not mandatory.
If the Englishman performs at the desired level, Barça will consider activating it next summer, depending on the economic context. Otherwise, he will return to England without any penalty for the blaugrana coffers. This is a smart formula that minimizes risk without giving up on strengthening the squad.
In addition, the player's experience in the Premier League and Champions guarantees a competitive leap in big matches. Flick has made it clear: he wants a team with resources, pace, and intensity. Rashford, even though he is not at his best, fits that profile.
The first sacrificed piece
Marcus Rashford's arrival leaves no room for one of Barça's most promising forwards. Pau Víctor, who dreamed of earning a spot in the first team, has been the first to pay the price. The coaching staff believes that he will not have the necessary minutes to keep growing.
The club has already received a formal proposal for his transfer. Valencia, very alert to his movements for weeks, is willing to sign him this summer. The figure is around 10 million euros, with a buy-back option included for the blaugrana.
From Mestalla, they see Pau as a young, disciplined forward with plenty of room for improvement in the short term. Carlos Corberán endorses his signing and believes that he can quickly adapt to the pace of the First Division. Meanwhile, Barça values positively letting him go without losing him completely.
Negotiations move quickly
Although the agreement is not closed, the positions are very close and understanding seems a matter of time. Pau has given the green light to a departure as long as he is guaranteed a leading role. In Valencia, they believe that he can fight for a starting spot from day one.
This season, he has played just 379 min. (379 minutes) with the first team, and he doesn't want another year of waiting. Flick values his attitude, but believes that he doesn't fit immediately into his offensive game plan. With Rashford on the team, the available spaces have been reduced even further.
Barça's idea is to close the deal within days, ideally before the start of the international tour. If it is not finalized with Valencia, there are other clubs watching, but the priority is to solve it now. Pau Víctor will very likely be the first official departure of the summer.
A market shaped by Rashford
The arrival of the English international not only improves the squad, but also forces bold and necessary decisions. Flick doesn't want an overloaded squad, nor to create frustration due to a lack of minutes. That's why more players could follow Pau's path in the coming weeks.
Marcus Rashford generates excitement, internal competition, and a new structure in the blaugrana attack. His versatility—he can play on both wings and as a forward—makes him a very useful piece. His influence is already being felt even before he officially debuts.
Meanwhile, Pau Víctor is preparing to start a new chapter far from home. His signing by Valencia is imminent and could be announced in the coming days. The Rashford effect has already shaken Barça's locker room, and everything indicates that he will not be the last to do so.