Shitian reported that Barcelona will sign Rashford, with a one-year loan with a buyout clause of 30 million euros.
Barcelona decided to sign 27-year-old Marcus Rashford this summer to strengthen the team's forward strength. The England striker will join Barcelona on loan for one season, with a buyout option of 30 million euros. This strategic move aims to improve the team's offensive quality while not putting too much pressure on the club's economy. Barcelona plans to have Rashford undergo a physical examination on Monday and hold a formal debut on Tuesday.
In addition to his football skills and media influence, there is another detail that has not been revealed: which number he will choose in Barcelona. Currently, Barcelona has some special meaning numbers to choose from. Pablo Torre, who moved to Mallorca this summer, gave up the No. 14 jersey. This number is the number that Henry, whom Rashford admired, wore during his time in Barcelona (2007-2010). Henry chose No. 14 to pay tribute to Cruyff, and also the number he is used to using in the French national team and Arsenal. Henry had many highlights when wearing the No. 14 jersey in Barcelona, including the 2009 Six-Crown Awards. Although the most famous No. 14 player is John Cruyff, he did not use this number frequently in Barcelona, but this number is closely linked to his image, especially during the Ajax and the Dutch national team.
Another optional number is 19, which also occupies an important position in Barcelona's history and is related to current star player Yamal. The new star from Lamacia's youth training camp just inherited the iconic No. 10 jersey and gave up No. 19. This number also has special significance for Rashford, because he wore the No. 19 jersey early in his career at Manchester United (starting from the 2016-17 season) until he changed to the No. 10 jersey in the 2018-19 season.
There is another available number in the first team of Barcelona, which is No. 22. The most recent player wearing this number is Gundogan. Prior to this, Rafinia also crossed this number in her first season with Barcelona. For Rashford, the 22nd is also of special significance, as he wore this number when he made his debut with England. In his debut against Australia, he scored a goal to help England win 2-1. The goal made him the third youngest debut goal in England's history.
Rashford's choice is still pending. But it is certain that his name has made fans look forward to it. No matter which number he chooses, it is not just a number, it may become a symbol of his re-emerging rise in Barcelona.