Marcus Rashford could quickly move from a reserve role to Barcelona, after the team had problems in the transfer market. The 27-year-old completed a one-season loan deal with Barca last week, after seeing his Manchester United career in crisis.
After returning from Aston Villa on loan, the England international was ordered to train separately from the first team of Man United. Rashford and four other teammates were included in the so-called bomb squad.
However, Rashford has now completely changed, he feels "at home" just a few days after arriving at Barcelona. The transfer deal to Catalan included a £26 million buy-a-side clause.
The striker made his debut when Barcelona beat Vissel Kobe (Japan) 3-1 in a pre-season friendly. Rashford played for 30 minutes and it was his pass to Robert Lewandowski that opened the way for the visitors' second goal, scored by rookie Roony Bardghji.
But how long will Lewandowski and he be in the same dressing room? According to Spanish media, Rashford's new teammate is in the target of a number of clubs in the Saudi Pro League. And a transfer deal could take place this summer.
It is no surprise that Barcelona are in need of a large sum of money. The failure to register Nico Williams as a top target immediately in La Liga has seen a £50 million transfer deal collapse. After that, coach Hansi Flick's team was forced to switch to pursuing Rashford.
Lewandowski will turn 37 in the next few weeks. Although he scored 42 goals last season, Barcelona will be forced to consider if they receive an attractive offer. Lewy's departure will leave a void in the striker position - something Rashford is certainly very interested in.
Rashford said he felt more "natural" with the No. 9 position, preferring to play in the center rather than on the wing, where he debuted for Barcelona in Japan. "For me, playing at number 9 is becoming more comfortable and natural.
Small things, like moving back into goal, are getting easier for me. You are always in front of goal so you are always in danger" - Rashford said.
Currently, Rashford is expected to add to Barcelona's main attacking trio of Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski and Raphinha. This is a role that Ferran Torres has shown excellently in last season, scoring 19 goals and becoming an ideal choice to support Lewandowski, whether starting or coming off the bench.
Torres hopes to play more next season as Flick coordinates Lewandowski's minutes, unless he is sold. However, any transfer move to Saudi Arabia depends on the striker's decision. Currently, Lewy and his family are living happily in Catalunya after Barcelona extended their contract until 2026.
