England international Marcus Rashford has formally expressed his desire to make his current loan spell at FC Barcelona a permanent transfer from his boyhood club, Manchester United. In an interview with ESPN on Thursday, 23 October 2025, when asked if he wanted to remain with the Catalan club, the 27-year-old forward stated, “Oh yeah, for sure.”

“I'm enjoying this football club, and I think for anybody who loves football, Barcelona is one of the key clubs in the history of the game. For a player it is an honour,” Rashford added. This declaration clarifies his intentions as he approaches a pivotal juncture in his career, a move closely watched by millions of fans in Kenya and across East Africa, where the English Premier League and Spanish La Liga command massive viewership.

Terms of the Potential Transfer

Rashford joined Barcelona in July 2025 on a season-long loan. The agreement includes a purchase option for Barcelona, set at approximately €30 million ($35 million), which can be activated at the end of the 2025-26 season. During the loan period, Barcelona are covering Rashford's wages, for which the player reportedly accepted a pay cut to facilitate the move. Despite the loan, Rashford remains under contract with Manchester United until 30 June 2028, having signed a five-year deal on 18 July 2023.

Resurgence in Spain

The move to Spain has coincided with a significant return to form for the forward under Barcelona's coach, Hansi Flick. As of late October 2025, Rashford has scored five goals and provided six assists in 12 appearances across all competitions for the club. His strong start follows a challenging period at Old Trafford and a brief, revitalizing loan spell at Aston Villa during the second half of the 2024/25 season.

Rashford cited the need for a new environment after spending his entire life, from the age of seven, within the Manchester United system. “People forget this, but 23 years of my life was with Manchester United. So sometimes you just need a change. I think maybe this is the case with me, and I'm enjoying everything,” he explained in his interview.

Departure from Manchester United

His departure from Manchester, initially on loan, came after he was reportedly deemed surplus to requirements by manager Ruben Amorim. This followed a difficult season where his future at the club appeared increasingly uncertain. The successful transition to La Liga has positioned him as a key player for Barcelona, impressing both the coaching staff and the club's supporters. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Rashford is a popular member of the squad, and there is a growing possibility the club will make the move permanent.

Implications for Kenyan Football Fans

In Kenya, where football fans are deeply divided among top European clubs, the potential transfer of a high-profile player like Rashford from Manchester United to Barcelona is a significant event. For years, supporters have followed his career at Old Trafford on broadcasts available throughout the region. His potential permanent switch represents a major shift in the landscape of European football, impacting the fierce rivalries that play out in viewing halls and social gatherings across the country. As Rashford prepares for his first El Clásico against Real Madrid, his performance will be under intense scrutiny from fans eager to see if his resurgence continues on one of world football's biggest stages.