Marcus Rashford cleared for Barcelona bow as registration saga ends in dramatic fashion

The Catalans, grappling with ongoing financial constraints under La Liga's strict salary cap rules, faced a race against time to register their summer arrivals. Rashford, the 27-year-old forward who joined on a season-long loan from Manchester United with an option to buy, had been at the center of the drama.

Reports earlier this week highlighted doubts over his eligibility, with Barcelona executives even putting their personal wealth at risk through a bank guarantee worth six million pounds to ease the wage bill overspend.

Additional moves, including the sale of the remaining 50 percent of Francisco Trincao's rights to Sporting CP for 11 million euros and a new contract for Jules Kounde, helped create the necessary salary space.

Despite the uncertainty, Rashford has remained composed throughout. "I'm not worried. It's something the club needs to resolve, and I trust they will. I'm focused on training and being ready for the start of the competition," he has said.

The forward, who impressed in pre-season by scoring his first goal for Barcelona, also emphasized enjoying the present amid questions about a permanent exit from United. "I want to enjoy the moment rather than look too far into the future," Rashford has added.

His decision to join Barcelona stemmed from firm conviction, despite other offers. In the days before signing, Rashford spoke with sporting director Deco and head coach Hansi Flick, and received an enthusiastic call from club president Joan Laporta that left a strong impression.

Flick was straightforward about the challenges ahead. "Rashford’s role here would be different, given the front three’s great season. Competition would be tough, intense, with no room for complacency," the coach has said, noting that Marcus accepted the challenge.

Flick had earlier expressed frustration over the registration delays, admitting he was "not happy" but trusted the club to sort it out.

With Rashford now officially registered and assigned the No. 14 shirt, he has been named in the squad for the Mallorca clash.

The timing couldn't be better, as star striker Robert Lewandowski is sidelined by injury, opening the door for Rashford to potentially start up front ahead of Ferran Torres. "I can play in different positions and score goals from any of them. It's about creating chances from different areas and taking advantage of them," Rashford has said of his versatility.

Goalkeeper Joan Garcia, who arrived from Espanyol for 25 million euros, has also been cleared after La Liga approved waiving the salary of injured Marc-Andre ter Stegen to free up space.

However, Wojciech Szczesny, Gerard Martin, and Roony Bardghji remain unregistered and are absent from the squad for today's game.

Barcelona sources remain confident that these issues will be resolved soon, but for now, all eyes are on Rashford as the Blaugrana kick off their 2025/26 campaign with renewed attacking firepower.