Marcus Rashford(Image: Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford's wish to play at the Camp Nou is set to be granted after Barcelona announced their imminent return to the stadium.
The Manchester United star's loan to the Spanish giants was a move the England forward chased this past summer after a previous loan at [Aston Villa](https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/all-about/aston-villa-fc), and he hasn't been shy in admitting a permanent switch to Catalonia is one he'd like.
His happiness in Spain has come despite not being able to play at the club's iconic ground due to a £1.3billion refurbishment. Barcelona haven't played at the Camp Nou since 2023 and have instead hosted matches at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.
However, a return to the stadium is now in the pipeline for the Catalan club, who announced that they will play at the Camp Nou on Saturday when they welcome Athletic Bilbao.
They revealed that a license was granted for their return with over 45,000 fans allowed to enter the ground to watch the action. The statement read: "FC Barcelona informs that the match corresponding to matchday 13 of the League, against Athletic Club, scheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 16:15 hours, will finally be played at Spotify Camp Nou.
"This decision comes after obtaining the first occupancy license corresponding to Phase 1B, which allows increasing the capacity up to 45,401 spectators. This authorization includes the entire Lateral area and adds to the license already granted for Phase 1A, which covers the Tribune and South Goal.
"The Club continues working on Phase 1C to guarantee the resumption of activity in the North Goal, gathering all operational, security, and comfort conditions for members and fans."
Representing Barcelona in their legendary stadium was a dream Rashford admitted he wanted to make true, and he did so earlier this week in an open training session ahead of Saturday's clash.
Discussing his experience playing at the ground, he said: "It's a very nice feeling. It's a beautiful stadium and when it is full it's going to be unbelievable. Camp Nou was always one of my favourite stadiums and one I wanted to play in. But to play on it for Barcelona is going to be a different feeling. I cannot wait to be on the pitch. I will enjoy it."
The renovation of the stadium is expected to be finished in 2027 where their capacity will rise to 105,000, making it the the fifth largest overall stadium in the world.
In terms of Barcelona's plans for the rest of the season, the club made a request to UEFA to change their designated home ground back to the Camp Nou for the rest of their Champions League campaign.
Rashford has racked up a team-high 15 goals and assists in 16 games across all competitions this season, with Barcelona just three points behind Real Madrid in La Liga.