Rashford names 3 close teammates at Barca, who would buy him outright for £30 million.
Speaking to ESPN, Marcus Rashford talked about his new life at Barcelona, where he bonded with Roony Bardghji, Jules Kounde, and Frenkie de Jong. The Catalan club has a buyout clause of under £30 million.
Marcus Rashford has confirmed he had several rounds of talks with Barcelona before officially joining on loan this season. Speaking to ESPN, the 27-year-old striker said he is 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 a buy-out clause for Rashford at a price under £30 million, and the player himself has not hidden his hope of a long-term commitment.
Key message from the interview
Rashford emphasized: “I believe everything happens for a reason… There have been opportunities before, but they didn’t materialize. And now is the right time for it to become a reality.” This is a rare confirmation of the years of engagement between the two sides, before the loan deal was finalized.
The English striker affirmed that he “really enjoyed his time in Spain,” particularly the weather, and described his positive integration process: “Every day I’m learning and I feel like I’m settling in well.” Proactive adaptation and maintaining a learning habit are the foundation for him to “just be in the right position to thrive.”
The bond in the dressing room
According to Rashford, the bond at Barcelona comes from teammates he names: Roony Bardghji, Jules Kounde, and Frenkie de Jong. From their close relationship off the pitch, Rashford emphasizes that this spirit of unity is the catalyst that helps him perform confidently: “This team is united, and I just need to be in the right position to excel.”
That personal connection shows that the new environment is supporting Rashford both mentally and in his daily work rhythm. At the team level, he “is currently playing well for Barcelona” and wants to turn the loan into a long-term contract, with a buy-out clause under £30 million being a feasible figure.
Roles and Inclusion
Rashford didn't elaborate on specific tactical details in the interview, but his statement "being in the right position to excel" suggests his goal is to stabilize his role, maintain consistent movement and play that fits the team's structure. On a personal level, his "learning every day" and "integrating well" indicate he's finding a more consistent rhythm of play compared to previous periods of instability.
Key statistics and facts
| 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 |
| Salaries at MU | Over £300,000 per week |
| Previous transfer contacts | Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain |
Reactions and statements
Regarding past negotiations: “This isn’t the first time I’ve spoken to Barca… There have been opportunities before, but they didn’t work out.”
Regarding her new life: “I’m really enjoying my time in Spain… Every day I’m learning and I feel like I’m fitting in well.”
Regarding his teammates: “I have a great relationship with Roony Bardghji, Jules Kounde, and Frenkie de Jong.”
Regarding his goals on the field: "This team is united, and I just need to be in the right position to perform."
Impact and prospects
Rashford remained loyal to Manchester United for most of his career, despite interest from Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. Old Trafford also once placed him among the team's highest earners, with a salary exceeding £300,000 per week. Despite periods of inconsistency and off-field issues, he is now described as "playing well" at Barcelona.
With a release clause under £30 million, Rashford himself hopes Barcelona will activate it next summer. If that happens, it could be a crucial 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.
