Marcus Rashford’s mega Manchester United contract and Barcelona’s perpetual financial woes appear to be a disastrous match on the surface. Yet, the La Liga champions have a knack for somehow finding a way.
Monetary mismanagement from previous (and current) regimes has forced Barça into a relentless state of stress. Club president Joan Laporta has pulled out all the stops, from lever-pulling to VIP box sales, to ensure La Blaugrana can continue to operate in the transfer market, and while questions have been raised over the sustainability of the president’s schemes, they have supplied short-term relief.
Hansi Flick’s squad isn’t in need of major reinforcements this summer off the back of an excellent season, but a left-sided attacker was regarded as a priority position of focus.
Nico Williams and Luis Díaz were among the far-from-cheap options linked, and while the club have pivoted to a loan deal for Rashford, their reported willingness to cover the Englishman’s salary for the duration of his stay in Catalonia means the club are once again set to test the mettle of La Liga’s financial rules.
The English forward wasn’t exactly earning pennies at United.
