‘A win-win’ – reaction in Barcelona to Rashford’s arrival

Fans and the media in the UK are eager to see if Marcus Rashford can resurrect a failed career that once seemed so promising following his departure from Manchester United to Barcelona.

On the other side of the Mediterranean, where Barca fans are anxious to see what kind of player is settling in the Catalan capital, there is a similar level of intrigue.

Three Barcelona-based journalists have been contacted by BBC Sport to get their thoughts on the England international’s arrival in order to gauge the mood.

With veteran marksman Robert Lewandowski, teen sensation Lamine Yamal, and revitalized Raphinha all having fantastic seasons, Barca’s forward line already has plenty of depth, including Spain internationals Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres. Where does Rashford therefore fit into?

Jamie Easton Gombau: We are aware that Barca’s sporting director Deco wanted another winger to replace Lamine Yamal and Raphinha, as well as play Raphinha in a different role as a number 10. Rashford can also play as a false nine or striker, which will be even more crucial this season given Lewandowski’s age, which makes him a joker in the pack.

Rashford was option C at least because Luis Diaz and Nico Williams were the first choice. He also has the lowest price, which is crucial because Barca’s financial problems are still a long way off.

Toni Padilla: Barca needed a striker who can play both on the left and in the right. Although Rashford is still in his prime, Barcelona’s initial plan was to add a younger player, like Williams. Given Rashford’s evolution over the past few years, it fits perfectly from a tactical standpoint. However, Nico only said no, so we should bear in mind that he is only here.

Rashford’s career has had a mixed bag, with some promising early careers dramatically fading. Does he have the potential to change the Barcelona culture and leave a lasting impression on his new team?

Jamie Easton Gombau: Well, it depends on the Marcus Rashford we see. He was a very special player a few years ago, one of the Premier League’s best players. However, Barcelona won’t be able to handle him if he delivers the same level of performance as last year’s Aston Villa.

We need to comprehend that Barcelona has effectively traded Ansu Fati for Rashford, and that Fati is not the player we saw a few years ago. Therefore, I believe it will benefit Barca, Rashford, and possibly Manchester United, because he’ll increase his market value if he scores and assists in double figures.

Because Raphinha, Lamine Yamal, and Lewandowski are already present, Toni Padilla will struggle to start many games. Due to increased competition, Torres and Olmo won’t be all that happy that Rashford is in town, but Flick has requested a strong squad to give Rashford opportunities. He must demonstrate that he deserves to participate in the big games.

Jordi Pons: I can recall Rashford’s promise to be great when he was younger. I particularly liked his midrange shot, which he beat against defenders, ran up and down the wing, and more importantly, he beat defenders.

Rashford will look to emulate the success of his predecessor, who had a 52-goal record in 138 appearances, to become the first Englishman to play for Barcelona since Gary Lineker left in 1989. Does Barca’s supporter’s nationality matter, though?

Jamie Easton Gombau: It was time for something! I find it puzzling that so few English players have joined La Liga despite having so much talent there. In his remarkable first season with Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham completely changed that perception in the country and the culture.

There should be a greater player and coach exchange because Spain and England may be the world’s strongest two footballing nations. Before Bellingham, the only way to get to the UK was via Spain, but perhaps this will change.

Toni Padilla: I believe most Barca supporters will enjoy themselves. You get used to having new players from all over the world show up each season because it is now global football. People will be happy that a British player plays for Barca, which will cause some obsceneness.

Jordi Pons: I can still recall singing “Go Gary Gary, Gary Gary Gary Gary Lin-e-ker!” at Camp Nou. Lineker was adored by Barca fans when I was a student at the time. Being English might help Rashford, and the atmosphere and the fans’ songs make most Barca fans appreciate English football.

Rashford has garnered more attention off the field than on the field in recent years. Will the Catalan capital tolerate his charismatic personality and ability to make headlines?

Jamie Easton Gombau: What kind of baggage does he bring with him, exactly? that he engaged in social activism? Is that harmful? It won’t be a problem, in my opinion. He simply wants to play once more and feel significant, and Barcelona is the ideal place to do that.

Although I am aware that Rashford may have been distracted from football, I am reminded of what happened to Antony: despite the fact that he was a member of the same team and that it was seen as a significant risk, he was one of Real Betis’ top players in La Liga in the second half of the season. There isn’t, in my opinion, a significant issue.

Let’s see, Toni Padilla. After his famous 18th birthday party, Lamine Yamal’s famous private life is currently being discussed in Barcelona! For such a young player, that hadn’t previously occurred, and it has given us a whole new dimension.