Gary Lineker, a former Barcelona player and renowned football pundit, has come out in defense of England international Marcus Rashford over his recent struggles at Manchester United. He firmly believes that the forward will find success in Spain with Barcelona. This move is seen by many as a daring attempt by Rashford to reignite his career after enduring a difficult period at Old Trafford.
According to reports from The Athletic, the deal on the table includes an option for Barcelona to make the transfer permanent next year. It is understood that during the loan period, Barcelona will cover Rashford’s full salary which is estimated to be around €350,000 per week.
Lineker himself wore the iconic Blaugrana jersey in his playing days during the late 1980s and has shown unwavering support for Rashford amidst increasing scrutiny over his recent performances.
Addressing Barca's attacking depth
Despite having an impressive attacking lineup, it's clear that Barcelona needs more depth upfront. Lineker pointed out that while Robert Lewandowski continues to deliver stellar performances for Barca, age is slowly catching up with him.
Gary Lineker, FC Barcelona legend, said:
"He (Rashford) will do great. He seems to be in the right frame of mind, I think this is a great challenge. They have got brilliant players. They are a tough team. But there are so many games they are playing."
"They have got a stable front three, in Raphinha, Lewandowski and Yamal. But they can't keep playing the three players every game and Lewandowski is past his best nearly now. He is remarkable for what he is achieving at this age. I think this is a good signing for Barcelona, and if Marcus can rediscover his best."
Lineker also raised questions about Manchester United's culture and suggested that perhaps it was not just individual players but also issues within the club contributing towards their lackluster performance.
New beginning for Rashford
With only final paperwork left before completion of this deal, all signs indicate that Marcus Rashford is set to embark on a new chapter in his footballing journey. For FC Barcelona, this represents a strategic investment into a player who still possesses untapped potential despite recent setbacks.
On the other hand, this move provides an opportunity for English forward Marcus Rashford not only silence critics but also prove himself ahead of Thomas Tuchel before World Cup 2026.
This move could be a win-win situation for both parties involved. Barcelona gets to bolster their attacking options while Rashford gets a fresh start and the chance to prove his worth on one of football's biggest stages. Only time will tell if this bold move pays off for both Rashford and Barcelona.
