Barcelona sporting director Deco once shared that the team wanted a new winger in May. On the outside, this requirement seems strange considering the numbers that Lamine Yamal and Raphinha had last season. However, anyone who follows Barca under coach Hansi Flick can understand the logic behind that.
Deco said the team has great confidence in Yamal and Raphinha, both of whom have played more than 4,500 minutes in all competitions last season. In the future, the club will see Ferran Torres as a reserve player, which means there is no direct replacement for both.
Instead, centre-backs such as Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo and Pau Victor were used as a backup option, along with a number of other young talents from the academy.
Therefore, the appearance of Marcus Rashford immediately gave the Blaugrana the necessary depth, especially in the left winger position. He could also support Robert Lewandowski - who turns 37 in August.
This move also improves Barcelona's tactical flexibility. Last season, when everyone was full and ready, Flick prioritized arranging the attacking trio Yamal, Lewandowski and Raphinha from right to left, with Olmo right behind them.
While Yamal tends to play wide, Raphinha moves in. The Brazilian has scored 18 goals and provided 11 assists in La Liga, but most of his best moments have come from the centre.
In fact, most of Blaugrana's best plays have come from the right wing or midfield. Of the total 216 touches in the La Liga finishing run, only 13% have come from the left wing.
In top form, Rashford can increase his attacking power on the left wing. Putting him in the squad could allow Raphinha to play as a centre-back, or move to the right wing so Yamal can take the necessary break.
Nico Williams or Luis Diaz could be more suitable for the role, but Barca have to accept the current financial reality. It would be difficult to sign a contract worth more than €60 million - not including salary - so Rashford's ability to come on loan makes this an attractive option.
However, Barcelona still need to balance their finances to register Rashford in La Liga as well as new goalkeeper Joan Garcia. However, this will be much easier than spending big on one of the other options.
Flick did a great job of improving the form of most of the players at Barca last season. And sources say he is ready to do the same for Rashford. The German captain is a key factor in promoting the deal to be completed in time for the club's pre-season tour in Asia.
