Marcus Rashford is on the cusp of what many would consider a fairytale move, swapping Old Trafford for the bright lights of the Nou Camp.
But what should have been a straightforward next chapter in his career has turned into a waiting game riddled with uncertainty.
Rashford’s Barcelona dream hangs in the balance
The 26-year-old forward, who spent the latter half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, has been left out of new Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim’s plans for the upcoming campaign.
Frozen out and clearly in need of a fresh start, Rashford has set his sights on Barcelona, a club he has long admired.
For the player, it’s a move that promises renewal and prestige. For the club, however, it’s a financial jigsaw that’s yet to be solved.
While Rashford and Barcelona are aligned on the footballing front, the real hurdle lies behind the scenes, in the club’s books.
Financial issues have plagued the Catalan giants for years, and those challenges continue to dictate who they can sign and when.
Despite parting ways with players and cutting costs, La Liga’s stringent financial regulations remain a formidable barrier.
Will Barcelona be able to register Rashford?
Barcelona currently finds itself over the league’s salary cap, a predicament that means they cannot immediately register new arrivals including Rashford.
According to the BBC, a crucial £100 million revenue stream linked to VIP seats at the renovated Nou Camp has yet to be approved, stalling their ability to meet La Liga’s financial fair play requirements.
The delay has not only thrown Rashford’s registration into doubt but has forced the club to reconsider how and when they introduce him officially.
Still, the English forward can pull on the Barça shirt, at least in friendlies. He is expected to join the squad on their pre-season tour to Japan and South Korea and could feature in the Joan Gamper Trophy clash against Italian side Como on August 10.
That game, set to take place at the Estadi Johan Cruyff, home to Barça’s women’s team, might serve as his unofficial debut.
But after that, everything depends on the numbers. Rashford cannot play in competitive fixtures until he is officially registered, and time is ticking.
Barcelona’s La Liga campaign begins on August 16 with an away game against Real Mallorca — a deadline looming large over the club’s financial department.