FC Barcelona Unveil New Signing Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford admits he wanted to join Barcelona in January but was unable to do so, after he was confirmed as the club's latest signing.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Rashford has been confirmed as Barca's newest signing, joining the club on loan from Manchester United. The Catalan giants retain an option to buy the England international in the summer should they so wish. Now, the forward has confirmed that he wanted to move to Camp Nou in January, before eventually opting to move to Aston Villa on loan.
FBL-ESP-LIGA-BARCELONA-MANCHESTER UNITED-RASHFORD
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Rashford insists he had no difficulty in choosing to join Barcelona, as it has been his "preference" from the outset. The figures clearly did not align in the winter window, although he has finally ended up in Spain ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. He will wear the number 14 shirt at Barca, and has also issued a classy farewell to United.
WHAT RASHFORD SAID
Rashford said at his unveiling: "Not difficult. I was clear on my preference from the very beginning, actually from January, but it didn't work out in January so I went to Aston Villa. I enjoyed a good period there, I enjoyed myself a lot, and I'm very grateful for the opportunity to play there. The summer came around quickly and again, it was time to make another decision but my choice was easy. I feel like, one, it's a family club, something I'm used to from my past and it feels like home so I feel like I've made the right decision. I'm just excited to get going and play the first game, and play in front of the fans, to play for this football club is a special moment for me so I'm ready to get going."
He added, on United: "The club is in a period of change and has been for a while. I don't have anything bad to say about Manchester United. It is an important part of my life. I wish them all the best and I hope they are successful in the future."
Hansi Flick Barcelona 2025
WHAT NEXT?
Rashford will not be making his debut in a previously scheduled pre-season friendly against Vissel Kobe because Barca have been forced to cancel their friendly, throwing their entire Asia tour into doubt. La Liga kicks off on August 16, with Barca playing Mallorca away.
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
