Barcelona Eyes Marcus Rashford Move: Will Financial Fair Play Allow the Transfer?

Aston Villa's reluctance to secure Marcus Rashford on a permanent basis has left the English forward in limbo, with Ruben Amorim clearly indicating that the player has no place in his plans at Old Trafford.

Rashford penned his high-value contract renewal in 2023, but this agreement has become something of a burden for the 27-year-old striker.

Following declining performances and concerns about his conduct away from the pitch, Rashford is no longer viewed as a valuable player by the Manchester United boss. Additionally, his substantial wages have made him a risky proposition for clubs considering taking the attacker from the Red Devils.

Villa provided temporary hope, and Barcelona emerge as the next team offering Rashford a chance for revival. However, many would be surprised by the La Liga titleholders' interest in the England striker, considering their well-documented financial struggles that have become a subject of ridicule.

Despite this, Barcelona have made their move, bringing Rashford in on a temporary deal. Yet significant restructuring remains essential if the Catalan giants hope to officially register their new acquisition for the 2025–26 campaign.

When Can Barcelona Register Marcus Rashford?

Barcelona encountered registration difficulties last summer and winter with Dani Olmo, and the primary factor behind their failed attempt to sign Nico Williams was their refusal to include a release clause in the winger's deal should registration prove impossible for the coming season.

Currently, Barça are unable to register any of their summer acquisitions, with Rashford joining Joan García, Roony Bardghji and Wojciech Szczęsny among the unregistered arrivals.

Throughout 2024–25, the Blaugrana's expenditure on players (covering transfer costs and salaries) exceeded their income, placing them above La Liga's 1:1 wage restriction.

Though Barcelona paid no transfer fee for Rashford and the player has agreed to a 15% salary reduction, the forward is set to receive €14 million (£12.15 million, $16.4 million) in wages next season before the Catalans contemplate his reported £26 million ($35 million) purchase option.

Lamine Yamal's expensive new contract has raised the club's salary expenses, and Andreas Christensen's wages must be factored into 2025–26 calculations after 80% were excluded last season due to his extended injury absence.

Currently, the timeline for Barcelona's ability to register Rashford and their other new additions remains uncertain, though the club has previously found solutions to similar problems.

What Can Barcelona Do to Register New Signings?

Barcelona have been busy offloading players at the transfer window's opening to stabilize their finances. Álex Valle has moved to Como, Pablo Torre transferred to Mallorca, and a significant portion of Ansu Fati's €14 million (£12.15 million, $16.4 million) wages was shifted to Monaco for 2025–26, following his loan move to the French club.

Nevertheless, additional work remains necessary. The club hopes to sell Christensen, though he resists departure, and Marc-André ter Stegen following the acquisition of promising Espanyol keeper García. Per Capology, Christensen and Ter Stegen are scheduled to earn €15.3 million (£13.3 million, $17.9 million) next season, while The Athletic reports that Barcelona "require approximately €28 million (£24.3 million, $32.8 million) in space," including Rashford's wages.

Player sales and wage reductions will remain the club's main focus for registering new talent, but Joan Laporta also expects New Era Visionary Group to complete payment of the outstanding €42 million (£36.4 million, $49 million) from their €70 million (£60.7 million, $81.8 million) investment in Barcelona's 475 VIP boxes at the renovated Camp Nou.

Additional VIP seating at their new stadium could still be marketed by the club, and they have recently finalized a training kit partnership with the Democratic Republic of Congo's government. This deal is projected to generate between €10 million (£8.7 million, $11.7 million) and €11.5 million (£10 million, $13.5 million) per year across the next four seasons.