As we all know, Barcelona have an agreement with Manchester United to sign the versatile forward at the end of the season for just £26 million, but Vilajoana openly wondered whether that money would be better spent bringing Jan Virgili back to Catalonia. The 19-year-old left for Real Mallorca last summer, but the Blaugrana have a matching option on the Spain under-21 international, who has racked up six assists in La Liga this season.

Rashford’s numbers are much better (23 goals in all competitions) and, at the moment, it is believed his loan will be made permanent this summer, provided, of course, Joan Laporta is reelected as president. However, even that wouldn’t necessarily mean Rashford would remain at Barcelona next season…

Barcelona have made many shocking signings over the past decade, which is why they remain in such a precarious financial situation, but taking full advantage of United’s desperation to offload Rashford was a masterstroke.

The England international may have suffered a drastic dip in form at Old Trafford, amid intense scrutiny of his alleged unprofessional behavior, but he showed enough during his six-month loan spell at Aston Villa last season to suggest he was determined to get his career back on track away from the intense scrutiny that comes with playing for your hometown club.

In fact, that positive loan spell in Birmingham helped convince Barcelona sporting director Deco that Rashford was a risk worth taking, practically a free hit since United were willing to let him go on loan with an option to buy.

INEOS’s brain trust reportedly now deeply regrets the terms of that deal, and it’s easy to see why. Getting Rashford off the payroll was the No. 1 priority, as doing so, even for just one season, saved United approximately £15 million. However, the loan deal should have been a “dry” loan or the option to buy much higher, because £26 million looks like a bargain for Barcelona.

From a purely sporting perspective, Barcelona are getting what they wanted from Rashford.

The attack virtually formed itself last season, with Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal forming one of the most devastating offensive trios in world football. However, Hansi Flick felt he was missing a top-class alternative to Raphinha on the left wing, especially as the coach was intrigued by the idea of moving the Brazilian to the No. 10 role.

Rashford fit the bill perfectly and also had the added advantage of being able to play up front if needed. However, the favorable economic terms of the deal cannot be overstated, as Rashford was so keen to join Camp Nou that he was willing to take a pay cut, making his signing a no-brainer for Deco.

“He did a very good job at Villa,” the former Barca midfielder told SPORT. “In fact, Aston Villa would have kept him if it had been possible. I know because I’ve spoken to people at the club.

“But he only wanted to come to Barca, and that’s a very positive thing. The fact that he accepted a lower salary to make this possible clearly shows how much he wanted to come, and we are very happy about it. He’s a player who brings a lot to the team.”

Rashford has played the role of Raphinha’s understudy very well. He has started only 13 La Liga games, but he has been involved in 12 goals and has proven especially useful in the Champions League (five goals, four assists).

In fact, ahead of Wednesday’s round of 16 first leg in Newcastle, it’s worth remembering that Rashford’s Barca career took off six months ago at St. James’ Park, when he scored twice in the Blaugrana’s 2-1 win on Tyneside.

Moreover, they were two magnificent goals, as Rashford opened the scoring with a fantastic header and then doubled his team’s lead with a powerful shot from distance that hit the underside of the crossbar before going in.

“Marcus is spectacular,” his teammate Ronald Araujo enthused after the game. “He does the same in training. We are very happy to have him with us, because he has a lot of qualities.”

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