Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Rashford Set to Become Second Englishman at Barcelona in Almost Four Decades After Gary Lineker

Marcus Rashford Nears Historic Move to Barcelona.

Credit: Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Rashford is poised to make history as he is set to become only the second Englishman to sign for Barcelona in almost four decades. He will be following in the footsteps of Gary Lineker who signed for the Catalan giants nearly four decades ago.

The 27-year-old Manchester United forward is closing in on a loan move to Camp Nou. Barcelona will have an option to buy him next summer for €30m (£26m). As reported by the journalist and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Rashford has agreed to a 15% pay cut to facilitate the switch.

Marcus Rashford, landed in Barcelona 🛩️@victor_nahe 🎥🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/v5M4BWJeD9
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 20, 2025

Barcelona is set to cover his full salary during the loan spell. Manchester United, meanwhile, will not contribute financially to the arrangement. The deal comes after Rashford spent the past two weeks training away from United’s first team. He was determined to secure a move away from Old Trafford.

Barcelona turned to Rashford after they missed out on their top targets Nico Williams and Luis Diaz. They were looking for reinforcements on the left flank. And Rashford’s versatility and experience make him an ideal addition to Hansi Flick’s squad. Rashford can operate both as a winger and as a central striker.

Also Read: Barcelona’s Long-Awaited Camp Nou Return Delayed Again

He could serve as a deputy for Robert Lewandowski. Rashford showed signs of rediscovering his form during his loan stint at Aston Villa last season. He scored four goals and assisted six times in 17 appearances. This came after a difficult period at Man United after he had a 30-goal season in 2022-23.

Gary Lineker Backs Marcus Rashford

England striker Gary Lineker has turned his attention to Rashford’s impending move. Lineker played for Barcelona from 1986 to 1989. He scored 51 goals in 138 appearances for the club. He also won both the Copa del Rey and European Cup Winners’ Cup.

Also Read: Barcelona Encounter Record Sales After Lamine Yamal Handed No 10 Jersey

Lineker changed his Instagram profile picture to an image of himself and Rashford wearing England’s iconic No. 10 jersey to show his support. It looked to be a symbolic nod to Rashford’s historic move. Rashford now has the chance to emulate Lineker’s success in Spain alongside an already dynamic attacking lineup.

Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Lewandowski have already done a tremendous job at Barcelona this past season. The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days. Romano recently updated that Rashford has already reached Barcelona. Hence, the deal is expected to be made official soon.

Barcelona

England

Gary Lineker

Manchester United

Marcus Rashford

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.