Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford, 27, has enjoyed a brilliant start to life in Spain with Barcelona – but there is an ever-growing concern that he could be prevented from competing in La Liga this season amid ongoing issues with his registration.
After a torrid campaign last time out, which saw him join Aston Villa in the winter window as a means of earning more game time, Rashford joined the Catalan outfit this summer. Hansi Flick and Co have the option to make it permanent for around £30m.
Deployed in the centre-forward berth after replacing Robert Lewandowski, the 27-year-old scored his first goal in Barcelona colours in their pre-season friendly against Daegu on Monday. But ahead of the start of their campaign, there are long-standing concerns about his registration.
Barcelona Face Registration Issues with Rashford
The Englishman is one of six players at risk of not being registered
Barcelona, as well-documented, have been restricted by their financial status in the last few years, thus making the process of registering new players that little harder. Dani Olmo, who signed in the summer of 2024, faced a similar fate before the Spanish juggernauts exploited a loophole to get him on board.
Flick – widely regarded as one of the best managers in world football – had Nico Williams on his radar pre-Rashford. La Liga president claimed the Spaniard’s move fell through, though, as his registration at the club was not a foregone guarantee. The case is the same for Rashford, who scored 138 goals in 426 appearances for his boyhood club and was hellbent on joining Flick’s side this summer.
Watch him in pre-season action for Barcelona below:
If they are unable to register Rashford, who enjoyed one of the best debuts in Premier League history back in 2016, he will only be able to train with the senior team and feature in non-competitive matches. League games will be off the cards.
However, the club – according to the Daily Mail – are confident of being able to register six players, including Rashford, before their first game against Mallorca on 16 August. Joan Laporta, in particular, has expressed confidence while speaking to ESPN.
“It’s progressing well. We’re doing our job and we’re confident that we’ll be able to register everyone.”
On the situation, Rashford insisted that he is staying focused on the training pitch. “It’s something for the club to sort out. I believe they are going to get it sorted,” the Englishman said, per ESPN. “I just focus on training and be ready for the start of the season.”
Marcus Rashford - Senior Career Statistics
Club/Country
Manchester United
England
Aston Villa
Recently, it was reported that Marc Casado’s future was in doubt in order to ensure Rashford, 27, was registered in time and green-lit to play in their La Liga campaign opener. The midfielder, who has been priced at €30 million, is reluctant to leave.
Barcelona are not only struggling to register Rashford, but new goalkeeper Joan Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny, Roony Bardghji, Gerard Martín and Marc Bernal all find themselves in similar positions. The club are hoping to find a solution ahead of the Joan Gamper Trophy, which is taking place on Sunday.
All statistics per Transfermarkt – correct as of 06/08/2025