Marcus Rashford has spoken out about concerns regarding whether he can be registered as a Barcelona player ahead of the 2025/26 La Liga season.
Rashford, 27, joined Barca on a season-long loan from Manchester United earlier this month and has since featured in friendlies against Vissel Kobe and Seoul.
The loan deal also contains an option to buy worth around £26m next summer. However, as reported by Barca Universal, paperwork surrounding the player’s registration ahead of the La Liga season is still yet to be completed.
A similar issue occurred last season when Barca were only able to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor after the season had started.
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This term, both Rashford and new goalkeeper Joan Garcia are yet to be officially registered. But club president Joan Laporta has made it clear that Barca’s transfer dealings may not be over.
On Saturday, Laporta told MARCA: "As a club, we have to have more players than usual, and that means we have to invest more, and that means we have to do our best to have a more competitive squad. We have very talented players, but they're also human beings, and there are limits. They need time to rest and enjoy themselves, and I think that's something to keep in mind.”
On Rashford, he added: "We signed this player because he was deeply committed to coming to Barcelona. He's fast, strong, committed, and did everything he could to sign for Barça. He put pressure on his agent, spoke to the club, and at the same time, spoke to Manchester United."
So why is this an issue?
As reported by BBC Sport, the problem regarding player registration relates to Barca falling within La Liga salary limits.
Barca are already reportedly over their limit, and last season they spent more on buying players and on wages than they made in revenue.
Although Rashford is permitted to train and play in non-competitive fixtures.
According to Spanish publication AS, Marc Casado's future 'hangs in the balance' and is 'considered likely to leave' with his exit potentially paving the way for Rashford’s registration ahead of the season.
Rashford himself was pressed on the issue during Barca’s pre-season tour.
Speaking on August 3, the 27-year-old said: “I'm not worried. It's something the club needs to resolve, and I trust they will. I'm focused on training and being ready for the start of the competition.”
Topics: Marcus Rashford, Barcelona, Manchester United, La Liga
Luke Davies