Marcus Rashford Eyes New Jersey Numbers as Barcelona Move Looms

The "fresh opportunity" Marcus Rashford desired last December was glimpsed in the West Midlands, yet the English striker's stint with Aston Villa turned out to be brief.

With Villa content not to purchase the English player permanently, uncertainty surrounded Rashford heading into the summer, though it was evident he wasn't part of Ruben Amorim's future plans.

Another transfer was unavoidable, and Rashford has been presented with an opportunity to begin anew abroad. Though Barcelona are only acquiring the 27-year-old attacker on a temporary loan initially, there's potential for a revitalized and renewed Rashford to establish Catalonia as his permanent base.

He's been associated with a legendary jersey number for seven years at Manchester United, but the England striker is unlikely to receive a prestigious numerical option at Barça.

Here are Rashford's possible Barcelona jersey numbers.

Marcus Rashford Jersey Number Background

The academy graduate Rashford emerged in Manchester nearly ten years ago sporting the No. 39 jersey, and it wasn't long before the talented youngster became the Red Devils' No. 10, following in the footsteps of legends like Denis Law, Ruud van Nistelrooy and Wayne Rooney.

Rashford wore the club's No. 19 for two campaigns before the significant change was announced in August 2018, and the striker enjoyed seven seasons with 10 on his jersey. New signing Matheus Cunha was announced as the club's newest holder of the number weeks before Barcelona finalized a deal with United for Rashford's loan.

The 27-year-old sported No. 9 during his short period at Aston Villa, a number he had previously worn for England's U21s in 2016. For his country, Rashford has been assigned Nos. 7, 10, 11, 18, 19, 20, 21 and 22. He last wore 11 when selected by Thomas Tuchel in March.

Barcelona Available Jersey Numbers

Rashford might have been a candidate for Barcelona's No. 10 jersey if Lamine Yamal wasn't so exceptional and promising. The recently-turned 18-year-old has taken over from Ansu Fati as the newest holder of the number made famous by legends like Diego Maradona, Ronaldinho and Lionel Messi.

Nos. 7, 9 and 11 are also unavailable, but Rashford could consider No. 19, which he wore for two seasons at Old Trafford.

La Liga regulations require that players registered in a club's "A" squad must wear numbers between 1 and 25. Therefore, there will be no sentimental return to 39 for the English player in Catalonia.

Additional possible choices include 18 (if Pau Victor departs) and 22.