On January 21 local time, The Athletic reported that Marcus Rashford's form has steadily improved since joining Barcelona on loan. Although his off-field conduct hasn't been as proactive as Raphinha's, his attitude and professionalism have earned high praise from the coaching staff. It remains uncertain whether Barcelona will activate the €30 million purchase option; considering the club's financial situation, they may instead seek to extend his loan deal.
Below is TA’s analysis.
Rashford scored again for Barcelona over the weekend, equalizing against Real Sociedad with a close-range header.
However, just one minute later, their opponents retook the lead. Barcelona ultimately lost 1–2, meaning Real Madrid now trails them by just one point in the La Liga title race.
Despite this, viewed more broadly, Barcelona's performance remained positive. Three of their goals were ruled offside, and they hit the woodwork five times—but their effort was still commendable, and bad luck didn't overshadow their determination.
Meanwhile, since joining Barcelona on loan from Manchester United last summer, Rashford's form has gradually rebounded, and there are even rumors that Barcelona hope to sign him permanently. He is currently the club's top scorer in the Champions League, having netted four goals, and he will be crucial to the team's success in tonight's match against Slavia Prague, especially with Lamine Yamal suspended.
So, what does the future hold for Rashford and Barcelona? What exactly has impressed people about him?
How has Rashford performed at Barcelona?
Rashford arrived at Barcelona on loan last summer to bolster the team's attacking options. Since joining, he has contributed to 19 goals in 29 appearances (8 goals and 11 assists), despite starting only 18 of those matches.
He has added depth to Barcelona's squad—a quality the club lacked last season when Fati and Pau Víctor were the main attacking backups. substitutes Rashford helped the team navigate a difficult start to the season, when injuries hampered their early performances.
He has primarily played as a left winger, a position the coaching staff considers his best, though he has also featured as a center forward in some matches. Raphinha, undoubtedly Barcelona's most influential player, is typically the first-choice left winger when fit, while Rashford has occasionally filled in up front—giving him opportunities on the pitch.
Barcelona is very satisfied with Rashford's contributions this season, though no one is perfect. Anonymous sources within the club (to protect privacy) noted that his off-field behavior isn't his strongest suit. Unlike Raphinha, he isn't a player who constantly puts pressure on himself, although the coaching staff say they've seen genuine effort from him in this area—even if it doesn't come naturally.
The club is also highly pleased with how well Rashford has adapted since arriving last summer. Locker room insiders were aware of reports about his previous fall from favor at Manchester United due to attitude issues, but nothing of the sort has been observed at Barcelona.
Club sources state that his attitude has been consistently excellent. After the Champions League match against Frankfurt on December 9, when Rashford didn't start, coach Hansi Flick specifically highlighted this point.
Flick said in the post-match press conference: “He's an absolute professional. I speak with every player who doesn't start, and before the Frankfurt game, I spoke with Rashford.”
Flick added: “He told me, ‘Coach, you don't need to explain your decision to me. What matters most is the team—we have to win these three points. Everything else is irrelevant.’ That mindset is perfect, and I'm very happy to have him in the squad.”
For Flick, Rashford is a player of starter quality who also embraces a rotational role and fully supports the competition for places. Given that Barcelona already has two outstanding wingers—Raphinha and Lamine Yamal—it’s not easy to find someone like Rashford.
Do they also need a center forward?
Yes, Barcelona does need a new center forward to eventually replace Robert Lewandowski. Lewandowski will turn 38 in August and is expected to leave the club when his contract expires.
If Rashford stays at Barcelona, he is unlikely to take over that central role. Should he ultimately depart, Xavi may request reinforcements both on the left wing and at center forward.
Does this make sense for Barcelona? Can they afford it?
That’s another question. Rashford’s loan deal includes a €30 million buyout clause, but it’s currently unclear whether Barcelona will trigger it.
Considering the club's financial constraints, paying that fee while also covering Rashford's salary from Manchester United appears difficult. Therefore, Barcelona may try to extend his loan for a second season.
Currently, Barcelona's wage bill still exceeds La Liga's latest salary cap, which is calculated based on each club's revenue.
In September, this cap was disclosed to be €351 million, while Barcelona's wage expenditure last season reached €534 million. They must resolve some salary issues—or find other ways to increase revenue—before registering new players.
Rashford's arrival was partly facilitated by Andreas Christensen’s long-term injury. La Liga regulations allow clubs to register a new player using the spot of a long-term injured player, provided the new signing's salary doesn't exceed 80% of the injured player's wages.
How has Rashford adapted to life in Spain?
According to Rashford himself, he seems to have settled in very well.
In an interview, Rashford said: “It's been amazing here—I feel welcomed, like I'm at home. I've been enjoying every step of the process. It's very different, but it's been a great learning experience for me. I'm not fully adjusted yet, but I'm learning the language, getting to know the culture—it's all really interesting.”
He lives in Castelldefels, a coastal town about 20 kilometers west of Barcelona, where many current and former Barça players—including Lionel Messi—have resided.
Data Analysis
Statistically, Rashford has delivered a solid but not spectacular season.
Compared to his time in the Premier League last season, Rashford is receiving the ball in more advanced positions in La Liga. His touch map shows a clear preference for the left side outside the box, where 26% of his touches occur.
Despite playing higher up the pitch, he has only scored 3 league goals in 19 La Liga appearances—a slightly underwhelming return. It's not for lack of effort: Rashford averages 4.1 shots per game, surpassed only by teammate Lamine Yamal (4.6) and Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappé (5.1).
42.3% of his shots come from outside the box, which explains why—among all players with at least 30 shots—his 5.8% conversion rate is the second-lowest in the league. However, he has shone brighter in the Champions League, scoring 4 goals, including two stunning long-range strikes from outside the area.
Although his goal-scoring has been inconsistent, his assist numbers have been excellent—he has already provided 6 assists this season, surpassing his total in any single Premier League campaign.
Flick demands relentless work rate from his players, and Barcelona is among the most aggressive pressing teams in Europe's top five leagues. Rashford hasn't shied away from this responsibility; data shows his pressing metrics are comparable to those of other Barcelona forwards.
However, despite his efforts to press, he rarely wins the ball back from those actions. Statistics show he ranks low in defensive contributions in the final third, including tackles attempted, fouls committed, interceptions, and pass blocks.