It's not official yet, but in the FC Barcelona locker room, people are already talking about the signing of Marcus Rashford. The English forward is one step away from becoming a new blaugrana player, and his possible arrival hasn't been well received by everyone in the group. The excitement in the offices contrasts with the silent discomfort of several footballers.
Rashford has given his approval, the deal is very advanced, and only the final contractual details remain. Even before his presentation, his name has already caused internal commotion. The atmosphere at Ciutat Esportiva is starting to show it.
The reason is none other than his position on the field. His versatility and status threaten to alter the distribution of minutes in attack. There are several players who aren't willing to lose prominence without a fight.
Flick wants him in the starting line-up
Hansi Flick has been clear with the sporting management: if Rashford arrives, it will be to play an important role from day one. His intention is to use him as Lewandowski's partner or even as a direct alternative to the Pole. In some scenarios, he even considers lining him up as a left winger or second striker.
This has set off all the alarms among the attacking players in the squad. They know that a name like Rashford's isn't signed to be a substitute. They've already started to make moves to protect their place in the rotation.
Several of them have changed their body language and attitude since the progress of the deal became known. The tension is palpable, even if no one says it publicly. The coaching staff is trying to calm the atmosphere, but the unease is there.
Four players under the spotlight
The first to feel affected is Robert Lewandowski, who doesn't fear competition, but does fear a loss of centrality. At 37 years old, the Polish forward wants to end his cycle at Barça as an undisputed starter. He fears that Rashford's arrival will cause a redistribution of the offensive system.
Raphinha, meanwhile, sees his margin reduced if Rashford takes the left flank. Although he plays more on the right, he knows the Englishman can change the tactical structure. That could affect his share of minutes in key matches.
Pau Víctor, one of the club's great young prospects, also watches with concern as his window of opportunity disappears. He hoped to get minutes in preseason to earn Flick's trust. If Rashford signs, he'll be directly behind in the hierarchy.
The atmosphere gets tense
As the deal's closing approaches, the affected players have started to distance themselves. Some have avoided commenting on the subject in the locker room, others have addressed it with irony and resignation. The truth is that a silent division has formed that doesn't help during the preparation phase.
In training sessions, there are serious faces and dynamics that have changed slightly. The usual groups are being reconfigured, silences weigh heavily, and smiles have disappeared in certain areas. The coaching staff has already detected this discomfort and is working to contain it before it becomes public.
From the club, they insist that competition is positive and that the signing isn't closed yet. In the locker room, there are those who don't share such an optimistic view. Especially because there's already a player who feels directly singled out.
The most uncomfortable of all
The one who's taken Rashford's imminent arrival the worst is Ferran Torres. The Valencian believes the Englishman is coming to take his place next to Lewandowski. After a season in which he felt important, he fears being left without a role in the new system.
Ferran has toned down in sessions, lost prominence in the group, and has already made his discomfort known. He hasn't asked to leave, but he's considering his options if his situation doesn't improve.
