After a long, long-term and non-successful saga to draw the fast winger of Athletic Club, Nico Williams, Barcelona, Barcelona paid their attention to extraordinary Manchester United Ace, Marcus Rashford.
The International of England seemed to have lost its way in the Theater of Dreams, first under Erik ten Hag and then Ruben Amorim.
No way back for Rashford at United
So furious, the Portuguese seemed like the lack of dedication of the 27-year-old that he made it clear that the player has no future at the club.
As a result, Rashford seemed to give a 'come and get me' to the Catalan giants by suggesting that he would like to play for Barcelona, but the interests of your love for a club does not automatically guarantee that they will come and call.
Fortunately, it seems that his prayers have been answered with both clubs that come to an agreement.
A one -year loan with an option to buy suits all parties, and in a World Cup year the player offers an ideal chance to rediscover his shape.
30 goals in 2022/23 for the 27-year-old
In 2022/23 he scored 30 goals in all competitions, including 17 in the Premier League, so the drop-off during the following season was remarkable.
Eight goals in total (seven in the EPL, one in the FA Cup) was a meager return, although it was his body language and lack of trust that just as much worries seemed.
Marcus Rashford's Radar Graphic for the 2022/23 Premier League Seasonopta by StatsPerform
It might not be forgotten that he was not the only player who suffers under ten Hag in that season, given that before Amorim took over, the Dutchman had supervised one of the worst seasons of United in the Premier League era.
Not all of that can be attached to Rashford. In fact, he remained the top scorer for the club during the two seasons of 22/23 and 2023/24.
Only Captain, Bruno Fernandes, came close to at least 15 goals with every other player.
A weight lifted at Villa
Fans of Barcelona may ask why Rashford of course, and it is a legitimate question.
Instead of base their opinion on two disastrous seasons on one of the most legendary clubs in the world, supporters of the Laliga -outfit can be better served by viewing the highlights of the winger for Aston Villa.
It was as if a great weight of his shoulders had been lifted.
Four goals and six assists in his 17 performances for the club were a considerable return, and in a team like Barcelona, who thrive on having their wing players behind the opposition defense in Pace, Rashford should flourish.
It is clear that he has also worked on his physique and fitness, and that can be good to his advantage if he prepares to sign his contract and participate in the club's tour.
A huge point to prove themselves and others
Although not entirely the last chance for him, Rashford has a huge point to prove himself and many others.
A refuge in Barcelona may be exactly what he needs, and with the root of a place in another World Cup team of England, it is a suitable moment for him.
The deal is a no-brainer for his new club. Still grabbed in cash thanks to the incredible quantity of the previous administration, gives an option plus a loan plus instead of a mandatory purchase, in essence Barca the chance to permanently sign Rashford per year or to send him back from where he came.
What happens next is therefore entirely up to the player himself.
Passing is not as bad as the statistics suggest
He will almost certainly have to improve his recent completion statistics. 82.1% in Aston Villa was acceptable, if not fantastic, while a mid -70s in United undoubtedly contributed to the story around him at the time.
However, Lamine Yamal's 78.9% and the 79.7% of Raphinha are also not off-the-charts good. What they both excel is in their dynamics and skills, with the first thing Rashford ever known for at United.
Marcus Rashford passes for Man United 2024/25Opta by Statspleform
Better standards everywhere are expected from Hansi Flick if the club is considered real contenders for the big prizes in 2025/26.
The German saw his side win the competition and cup double last season. But for an epic two-legged loss with a semi-final over Inter, Barca would have had the chance to face Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the Champions League.
Excellent Scotchy Furse And Conversion percentage
Comparison and contrasting that with the enveloping gloom at Old Trafford is as if you are on Polar opposite opposite sides of an argument. No wonder the Red Devils could not collect any performances.
Of course, goals are the currency of an attacker, and it is where Rashford has really suffered lately, especially when you do not mention his goals next to Lamine's 18 and Raphinha's 34 in the competitions, not to mention their 25 assists each in 24/25.
Marcus Rashford XG card in the Premier League in 2024/25 for both Clubsopta by StatsPerform
It will surprise many to note that their tosh faint of 51.3% and 52.8% of last season was far below 72.2% of Rashford – easily the best of United – and suggests that, in view of the chance, the English international ensures that all keepers he is kept sharp.
With a conversion rate of 21.4% too, again the best show at the Red Devils, it is much more than Lamine's 7.7% and Raphinha's 14.7%.
Versatility key for film
Let us not forget that he can play as a central striker/false nine if necessary and that versatility can be Manna from heaven for film in the months in which the games come thick and fast.
If he can hit his sweet place on arrival, there is simply no reason why, with the help of an arm around the manager's shoulder, that Rashford cannot become the player that everyone knows he can be.
The question that must be asked is how much he wants it …