Rashford has been on Barcelona’s radar since the winter transfer market. Despite the rumours about the English forward, Luis Diaz was the ideal candidate for Deco. There have been many other names that have been associated with the Catalan club since the last winter transfer market. However, after considering the âŹ85m release clause of the Columbian, Barcelona have almost ruled out Luis Diaz. Rashford however, has gone from a backup plan to a serious option for Barcelona after Deco met his agent. He may join Barcelona on a loan deal and Manchester United might be covering some part of his salary.
How Rashford can solve many problems at Barcelona
A much needed increase in squad depth
Hansi Flick despite doing an amazing job in his first season at Barcelona lacked depth in his squad. Raphinha and Lamine Yamal had to play most of the minutes with little to no rest. With Rashford in the squad, Raphinha or Yamal can rest in the league games before the important Champions League games.
Increasing the width
Raphinha under Hansi Flick, plays more as an inside forward than a winger. This leaves Balde or Gerard Martin isolated on the left flank and the fullback has to attack and defend alone. With Rashford as a left winger when required, Balde will have the freedom to overlap or underlap. This will provide width in the attack and stretch opposition backlines. This becomes a necessary strategy against teams in La Liga with tight defenses and low-blocks to create and find spaces in their backline. With an out-wide winger at his disposal Hansi Flick might be able to win all the points in the league that he lost to low-block teams this season.
Quick and direct with goal scoring potential
Hansi Flick’s system requires a fast paced winger that is quick and can score a lot of goals. This is why Raphinha has been such a success under the German manager. Rashford has the pace required to be the Brazilian’s backup and, in my opinion, a huge potential to be an elite goal scorer in Europe. The Englishman is still 27-years-old and so age will not hold him back from running behind defenses throughout matches. He can receive a lot of high quality goal scoring chances with crosses by the likes of Lamine and Pedri.
In conclusion Rashford more or less ticks every box Barcelona need in their new signing of a winger. Barca need a winger that is not too expensive and will not demand to be in the starting 11 over Raphinha. Rashford can be loaned for a season with a buy option and he will surely not demand major minutes over Raphinha considering the difference of form between the two wingers.