Rashford names 3 close teammates at Barca, buys outright for 30 million pounds
Speaking to ESPN, Marcus Rashford spoke about his new life at Barcelona, getting close to Roony Bardghji, Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong. The Catalan club have a buyout clause of less than £30 million.
Marcus Rashford has confirmed that he had held talks with Barcelona several times before officially joining on loan for the current season. Speaking to ESPN, the 27-year-old said he was enjoying life in Spain, integrating well into the dressing room and having a close relationship with Roony Bardghji, Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong. Barcelona have an option to buy Rashford for less than £30 million, and the player himself has made no secret of his hopes of a long-term commitment.
Key messages from the interview
Rashford stressed: “I believe everything happens for a reason... There have been opportunities before, but they didn’t work out. And now is the right time for it to happen.” This is a rare confirmation of the approach between the two parties over the years, before the loan deal was completed.
The England striker insists he has “really enjoyed his time in Spain”, especially the weather, and describes his integration as positive: “Every day I am learning and I feel like I am settling in well.” Proactively adapting and maintaining a learning habit is the foundation for him to “just be in the right place to thrive”.
Locker room bonding
According to Rashford, the bond at Barcelona comes from his teammates, whom he names: Roony Bardghji, Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong. From the closeness off the pitch, Rashford emphasizes the spirit of solidarity as a catalyst that helps him confidently perform: “This team is united, and I just need to be in the right position to perform.”
That personal connection suggests the new environment is supporting Rashford mentally and in terms of his daily work rate. At team level, he is “playing well for Barcelona” and wants to turn the loan into a permanent deal, where a buyout clause of less than £30m is a realistic possibility.
Role and integration
Specific tactical details were not mentioned by Rashford in the interview, but from the statement “being in the right position to perform”, it can be seen that his goal is to settle into a role, maintain a habit of moving and handling in accordance with the team structure. On a personal level, “learning every day” and “integrating well” are signs that he is finding a more consistent rhythm of life and playing compared to previous periods of instability.
Key facts and statistics
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Year old | 27 |
| Status | On loan at Barcelona |
| Buyout clause | Under £30 million |
| Close relationship | Roony Bardghji, Jules Kounde, Frenkie de Jong |
| Achievements at Manchester United | Over 400 appearances, 138 goals, 78 assists |
| Salary at MU | Over £300,000/week |
| Previous transfer contact | Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain |
Reactions and statements
On past negotiations: “This is not the first time I have talked to Barca... There were opportunities before, but they did not work out.”
On my new life: “I really enjoyed my time in Spain... Every day I learned and felt like I was settling in well.”
On teammates: “I have a great relationship with Roony Bardghji, Jules Kounde and Frenkie de Jong.”
On his goals on the pitch: “This team is united, and I just need to be in the right position to perform.”
Impact and prospects
Rashford has remained loyal to Manchester United for most of his career, despite links to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Old Trafford also once placed him among the highest earners in the club, with a salary in excess of £300,000 a week. Despite periods of instability and off-field issues, he is now described as “playing well” at Barcelona.
With a buyout clause of under £30m, Rashford himself is hopeful Barcelona will activate it next summer. If that possibility materialises, it could be a significant turning point, opening a new chapter for the 27-year-old striker in La Liga, after more than 400 appearances, 138 goals and 78 assists for Manchester United.
