Marcus Rashford's Barcelona dream hinges on La Liga registration race

Club president Joan Laporta has expressed confidence in finalising key financial operations to ensure compliance with La Liga's regulations. "This week will be intense as everything is set to conclude certain deals that will give us the financial fair play we need to register players," Laporta said on Monday.

Rashford, the England international on loan from Manchester United, remains calm despite the uncertainty. The 28-year-old forward, who joined Barcelona in a high-profile move, trusts the club's efforts to have him ready for the season's start.

"Rashford was aware of the club's situation when he signed, but it didn't dampen his ambition to wear the Blaugrana colours," a source close to the player said.

The former Manchester United star is eager to make his official debut at Mallorca, with Barcelona providing regular updates to keep him and other unregistered players reassured.

The club's priority is registering goalkeeper Joan Garcia, with hopes pinned on La Liga's medical committee ruling that Marc-Andre ter Stegen's recovery from recent back surgery will exceed four months. Such a decision would free up a portion of the German goalkeeper's salary, enabling Barcelona to register both Garcia and Rashford.

The club have already facilitated departures, including that of Inigo Martinez, and finalised financial deals to ease their salary cap constraints. "Barcelona are confident that with Ter Stegen's situation, alongside other financial moves, they'll have both players ready for Saturday," a club insider revealed.

Rashford has impressed during pre-season, quickly adapting to Hansi Flick's squad. In the Joan Gamper Trophy, he stepped up as the central striker in the absence of Robert Lewandowski, who was sidelined by injury.

Flick also considered Ferran Torres for the role, but the Spaniard was nursing a minor muscle issue. Should Rashford be registered in time, he could compete with Torres to lead the line against Mallorca, though Lewandowski remains the likely starter if fit.

Recent posts on X from Barcelona's official account confirm their focus on resolving registration issues, with a statement on Monday noting "progress in financial operations to comply with La Liga's requirements."

Rashford, meanwhile, shared a training photo on X with the caption, "Ready for the challenge," signalling his preparedness.

For now, Barcelona's supporters eagerly await confirmation that their new stars will be cleared to shine in the 2025-26 La Liga campaign.