Barcelona has successfully registered Marcus Rashford ahead of the club’s LaLiga opener against Mallorca on Saturday, resolving concerns over the forward’s availability.
The club confirmed Rashford’s inclusion in the matchday squad, easing doubts that had emerged on the eve of the new season. Coach Hansi Flick had previously expressed his unease with the situation but remained confident in a resolution.
Rashford’s registration was made possible by a series of financial maneuvers completed on Friday. These included selling the remaining 50% of Francisco Trincão’s rights to Sporting CP for €11 million ($12.8m) and restructuring Jules Koundé’s contract to spread the amortization payments on his €55m ($64.3m) transfer fee over an additional three years. The England international joined the Catalan side last month on an initial 12-month loan from Manchester United.
The club also registered goalkeeper Joan García on Thursday after LaLiga permitted the use of salary space allocated for the injured Marc-André ter Stegen. García, a €25 million signing from Espanyol, is expected to start this weekend.
However, Barcelona is still working to register several other players while navigating LaLiga’s strict financial rules. The club is awaiting approval from auditors and the league for a deal involving the sale of VIP seats at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou. If approved, the transaction would inject €100 million into the club’s accounts, allowing it to operate under LaLiga’s “1:1 rule,” which permits spending in line with income.
Among the players still awaiting registration are new signings Roony Bardghji and Wojciech Szczęsny, along with academy graduates Marc Bernal and Gerard Martín, who were promoted to the first team after impressive preseason performances. In a separate squad move, teenage right-back Hector Fort is widely expected to leave on loan to secure more regular playing time.
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