Marcus Rashford's Barcelona Bombshell: Who Wins Big and Who Gets Burned?

Marcus Rashford is poised to become only the second English player since 1923 to play for Barcelona, following a loan deal struck between Manchester United and the Spanish giants.

The former United prodigy was given a temporary escape from Old Trafford's spotlight by joining Aston Villa on loan in January, but Villa chose not to make the 27-year-old's move permanent during the summer transfer window.

After Ruben Amorim made it evident that Rashford wasn't part of his plans, the striker has spent recent weeks searching for a new club, with an overseas transfer appearing most probable. Barcelona represented Rashford's ideal destination, though their pursuit of Nico Williams and Luis Díaz meant the player had to be patient.

Seldom have Barcelona placed faith in English talent, but they're prepared to gamble on a Rashford seeking renewal. Fame hasn't treated the 27-year-old kindly, and there's optimism that a different yet demanding environment will extract Rashford's finest qualities once again.

Below are the primary beneficiaries and casualties of Barcelona's loan acquisition of the England striker.

Winners From Marcus Rashford's Barcelona Move

Alejandro Balde

Hindered by injuries during Xavi's final period, 2024–25 marked a recovery campaign for Balde, who established himself as potentially Europe's finest left-back performer.

The exceptionally energetic defender benefited greatly from Hansi Flick's managerial appointment, with the German tactically utilizing his full-backs to optimize both players' capabilities. Jules Koundé's tendency to drift inward provided Balde increased freedom to surge forward and influence attacking play.

With Raphinha moving centrally and making runs behind defenders when positioned on the left, Balde was given space to control the flank. He concluded the campaign with eight assists across all competitions.

Barcelona had been connected with wingers better suited to maintaining width on his side, such as Williams and Díaz, but Rashford operates more as an inverted forward who favors positions closer to goal. Flick could deploy the Englishman in a Raphinha-style role or as a central striker. Regardless, Balde's attacking runs won't be hindered, and there's potential for the speedy pair to form a devastating combination.

Ruben Amorim

The Manchester United boss has received permission from INEOS to reshape the Red Devils squad according to his vision following a disappointing 2024–25 campaign.

Rashford scored the first goal under Amorim's management, but the Portuguese coach quickly lost confidence in the Englishman. Subpar training performances resulted in his omission from the matchday squad for December's Manchester Derby at the Etihad, after which Rashford publicly stated his readiness for a "new challenge".

The attacker didn't feature for the club again before joining Villa on loan in January, and Amorim has consistently indicated that Rashford has no future in Manchester under his leadership. The Englishman is among several squad members sidelined by the manager at summer's start, and Amorim must be delighted to have a Rashford-related distraction removed from Carrington for at least another season.

The signings of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo signal a fresh attacking approach for the Red Devils.

Pedri

We witnessed Pedri rediscover his peak form under Flick's inaugural season, with the elegant Spanish midfielder becoming an almost constant presence in the German's midfield partnership.

Pedri transcends mere orchestration in midfield. He excels in confined areas, demonstrates dynamic dribbling skills, and delivers accurate progressive passes. His defensive work rate makes him any manager's ideal player.

The midfielder wasn't lacking creative outlets when operating as a playmaker, with Raphinha's direct runs, Dani Olmo's intelligence in advanced positions, and Lamine Yamal's exceptional talent ensuring Pedri always had forward options available.

The Spaniard concluded 2024–25 with 14 goal contributions, including eight assists. His passing prowess flourished in Flick's direct and vertical system, and Pedri should profit from Rashford's ability to disrupt defensive formations through his movement.

According to FBRef, only Yamal (44) recorded more through balls than Pedri (32) last season, while only Raphinha (129 to 94) registered more 'key passes'. Pedri topped Barcelona's squad with 431 passes into the final third and 474 progressive passes.

Despite an excellent season, his statistics could have been superior. His eight assists derived from an expected assists total of 9.5. His teammates, despite their season-long proficiency, didn't maximize Pedri's creative contributions in front of goal.

Losers From Marcus Rashford's Barcelona Move

Ferran Torres

'The shark' has achieved cult following status in Catalonia. 2024–25 represented his most fruitful Barcelona season, functioning effectively as Robert Lewandowski's deputy.

Ferran appeared in 45 matches across all competitions but earned only 19 starting positions. Nevertheless, he scored 19 goals and contributed seven assists.

Flick couldn't have expected more from a rotation player, and while Rashford has been acquired to reduce Barcelona's dependence on Raphinha and Yamal, his arrival will likely reduce Ferran's playing time.

The Spaniard, like Rashford, can operate on either wing and centrally. The new arrival, however, possesses significantly greater talent.

Dani Olmo

Rashford might face similar registration complications that Olmo encountered during his debut Catalonian season.

Assuming Barcelona discovers another solution to ensure the Englishman can participate from the opening match onward, Olmo's starting position could be threatened. Rashford won't operate in advanced midfield positions like the Spaniard, but if Flick deploys him on the left wing, Raphinha could move centrally and assume Olmo's role.

The former RB Leipzig creator showed promise during his first club season, but Olmo didn't dominate proceedings. Raphinha, conversely, accumulated 56 goal contributions across all competitions. He'll feature in Flick's strongest lineup, but one can envision a revitalized Rashford making such an impact that he becomes essential.

Should this scenario unfold, expect Olmo's significance to decrease. There's already speculation about the Spaniard potentially playing as a false nine, which would benefit players like Raphinha and Rashford.

Barcelona's Wage Bill

Barcelona simply required attacking depth this summer, and while they haven't paid a transfer fee for Rashford, they've committed to covering his wages for 2025–26.

The 27-year-old has accepted a 15% reduction from his substantial Manchester United salary, but Barcelona still anticipate spending approximately €14 million (£12.1 million, $16.3 million) on his wages before considering a permanent purchase of the Englishman.

With Lamine Yamal signing a profitable new contract, making him the club's third-highest earner, Barcelona's wage expenses will rise again next season. Fortunately, they've eliminated Ansu Fati's €14 million salary, with Rashford serving as a direct replacement both financially and on the pitch.

Considering their previous struggles to register players and their inability to dramatically restructure their wage system this summer, Barcelona will surely challenge La Liga's regulations again in 2025–26.