Marcus Rashford Set for Barcelona Switch as Gary Lineker Predicts Spanish Revival
Published: July 23, 2025
By Sports Desk
In what could be one of the most intriguing moves of the summer, Marcus Rashford is reportedly on the verge of joining FC Barcelona from Manchester United, and none other than former Camp Nou star Gary Lineker is backing the English forward to thrive in Spain.
Rashford, who has spent his entire career at Old Trafford since joining the academy at age seven, is expected to join the LaLiga champions on a season-long loan, with the deal reportedly including an option to buy for €30 million (£26 million).
The 27-year-old forward, once seen as the future of Manchester United, has struggled with form and consistency in recent seasons. Following a stellar 2022-23 campaign in which he netted 30 goals and helped United secure a third-place Premier League finish along with an EFL Cup win, his numbers have dipped significantly. The 2023-24 season saw him score just eight goals in 43 matches, and although he slightly improved last season with 11 goals, four of those came during a brief loan spell at Aston Villa.
Rashford has also faced criticism regarding his commitment, with reports of training ground issues surfacing throughout the past year. United’s current boss Rúben Amorim even joked last season that he’d prefer fielding his 63-year-old goalkeeping coach Jorge Vita over Rashford.
Despite the controversy, former Barcelona and England striker Gary Lineker believes Rashford’s move to Catalonia could be exactly what the player needs to rediscover his form.
“He seems mentally ready for the challenge,” Lineker told Sky Sports. “Barcelona are a team packed with talent, but their schedule is relentless. They can’t rely solely on Raphinha, Lewandowski, and Yamal every single game.”
“Lewandowski, as brilliant as he still is, is past his prime. Rashford brings pace, power, and directness—traits that could give Barca a new attacking dimension,” Lineker added.
Hansi Flick’s Barcelona, fresh off another title-winning campaign, appear keen to reinforce their attack, and Rashford’s addition—should it go through—would offer depth and rotation options, especially with the workload placed on the starting trio.
Rashford is not the only Manchester United player to seek a way out in recent months. The Red Devils have already seen Alejandro Garnacho, Jadon Sancho, Antony, and Tyrell Malacia express interest in moves elsewhere. Interestingly, Antony flourished during a loan spell at Real Betis, recording 14 goal contributions in just 26 games—nearly matching what he achieved over 96 matches at United.
Lineker was quick to point out this trend:
“Look at the players who have left Manchester United—they’re thriving. There’s something not right at the club, and players like Rashford are proving they just need a change of environment to perform again.”
Rashford’s potential arrival at Barcelona may raise eyebrows, but if Lineker’s prediction holds, fans could soon witness a rejuvenated version of the England international lighting up the Camp Nou once more
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