FC Barcelona is on the verge of finalizing one of the most high-profile signings of this winter market. Marcus Rashford, the English forward from Manchester United, has already given the green light to his move to the blaugrana club.
However, his registration in LaLiga is entangled in a complicated financial and regulatory web that has Joan Laporta directly confronting Javier Tebas, the president of LaLiga.
Rashford: Determined to Wear blaugrana
The relationship between Rashford and his coach at Manchester United, Rúben Amorim, has reached a point of no return. The coach's statements, where he went as far as to say he would prefer to field the goalkeeping coach over the forward, reflect an unsustainable environment. In this scenario, Rashford has decided to leave Old Trafford.
Although he has received offers from other clubs like Mourinho's Fenerbahçe, Rashford is clear that he wants to join Barça. His priority is the sports project led by Hansi Flick, who is looking for a new offensive star to complete an attack that already includes figures like Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal.
An Agreement with Obstacles
Despite the player's willingness, Barça has yet to present a formal offer to Manchester United. The English club demands that Barça assume the remaining part of Rashford's annual salary, which amounts to approximately 9 million euros. However, the delicate economic situation of the Catalans complicates meeting this demand.
Rashford, willing to make a financial effort to facilitate his arrival, has accepted a staggered salary proposal similar to Robert Lewandowski's. This type of contract, which starts with a modest remuneration and increases over time, is key for Barça to undertake the operation without compromising its financial fair play.
The biggest challenge is not in the negotiations with Rashford or Manchester United, but in obtaining Tebas's approval for his registration. After the controversial Olmo case, in which LaLiga questioned the legality of Barça's accounts, the relations between the Catalan club and Tebas are critical.
The president of LaLiga has already made it clear that he will be especially strict with any financial movement by Barça. Laporta, aware of this situation, is trying to avoid a new controversy. However, he doesn't rule out turning the Rashford case into a public issue if he perceives a deliberate intention to block the registration.
Tebas's Verdict
For Marcus Rashford, Barça represents an opportunity to relaunch his career. At Manchester United, the forward has gone from being one of the most promising figures to becoming a player relegated to obscurity. The arrival of Amorim and his lack of chemistry with the coach have accelerated his desire to change scenery.
At Barça, Rashford wouldn't only have the chance to shine in a team with an ambitious project, but he would also be an essential piece in Hansi Flick's scheme. With his speed, ability to disrupt, and goal-scoring instinct, Rashford would provide the variations that Barça needs in attack.
Meanwhile, as Barça tries to close the deal, Jose Mourinho could complicate matters. From Fenerbahçe, the Portuguese coach has shown interest in Rashford and is willing to offer him an attractive contract. However, the English forward is clear that his priority is Barça, leaving the Turks as a plan B in case the registration doesn't succeed.
Rashford's fate seems to depend more on the offices of LaLiga than on negotiations with Manchester United. The battle between Laporta and Tebas could be decisive not only for this signing but also for Barça's future plans.
If they finally manage to register him, Rashford would become one of the most notable moves of the market and a strategic addition for Barça.