Madrid, July 24 (H.S.): FC Barcelona has confirmed the loan signing of England international forward Marcus Rashford from Manchester United for one season. The announcement included a video where Rashford declared the news official. The loan features an option for Barcelona to secure a permanent transfer for around 35 million euros, along with a compensation clause if the permanent deal isn't finalized.

Rashford expressed his commitment to the club, stating it feels like home, and praised Barcelona as a family-oriented club where players can shine. He also shared his eagerness to learn the Barcelona way and highlighted the opportunity to work with coach Hansi Flick, noting Flick's success with a young team last season. The 27-year-old passed his medical in Barcelona and reportedly took a 15% pay cut for the move.

Following a challenging relationship with Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim, which led to a loan at Aston Villa, Rashford is now set to join Barcelona for their Asia tour, including matches in South Korea and Japan. This signing comes after Barcelona's unsuccessful attempts to recruit Spanish winger Nico Williams, who renewed his contract with Athletic Bilbao, and Colombian winger Luis Diaz, due to financial constraints. Rashford is the first English player at Barcelona since Gary Lineker.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar