Do Barcelona really need Rashford this January?

Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images

Would he be a good signing?

Marcus Rashford is being linked with a move to Barcelona before the January window closes after being deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford.

The forward’s agents are believed to have held talks with Barca and it’s thought a move to Catalunya would be his top choice this winter.

Yet it’s not an easy deal to do by any means. Rashford’s massive salary is a problem and Barca would reportedly have to offload Ansu Fati and Eric Garcia first.

Ansu doesn’t seem to be willing to move on this summer, despite having been left out recently, while Eric seems to have changed a few minds after his goal against Benfica.

Of course it’s also worth asking: Do Barca even need Rashford? The forward is a fime player on his day but his goal record is very streaky indeed.

Marcus Rashford's goal scoring record, and how he ranked in the team:

15/16: 8 (4th)
16/17: 11 (2nd)
17/18: 13 (2nd)
18/19: 13 (3rd)
19/20: 22 (2nd)
20/21: 21 (2nd)
21/22: 5 (4th)
22/23: 30 (1st)
23/24: 8 (5th)
24/25: 7 (2nd)

— Chan Zhesheng 陈哲昇 (@kylehampden) January 2, 2025

Barca do obviously need a replacement for Lewandowski in the future but Rashford isn’t a prolific striker. He is a versatile player who can play anywhere across the front three but there’s no doubt he does his best work on the left of the attack.

And if he does move he’s unlikely to be first choice. Hansi Flick’s preferred attack this season is Raphinha, Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal - and Rashford’s arrival won’t change that.

The trio have helped Barca top the the scoring charts in the Champions League and La Liga so far this season. Goalscoring really is not a problem for Flick’s side at all this season.

Of course Rashford could be a useful rotation option and will most likely compete with Ferran Torres and Pau Victor for first-team minutes if he were to be signed. There’s also a certain Toni Fernandez on the fringes of the first team just waiting for a chance.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

Yet Deco let slip this week that Hansi Flick has not asked for Rashford and that actually contract renewals are the club’s priority right now.

“We are looking at the FairPlay issue. If the team can be strengthened we will try but it is not something that the manager has asked us for,” he told reporters.

“We want to renew important players before having new additions.”

Throw in the fact that Ruben Amorim seems to have given up on Rashford - despite his standing at the club - due to doubts over his commitment and poor performances in training - and you can’t help but wonder if Rashford would be worth the effort needed to bring him in.

That’s my view but what do you think? Tell us if you think Rashford would be a good signing for Barcelona in the comments below!

Source: barcablaugranes.com