He waited for Barca – and would have waited longer if he needed to. In January, a transfer collapsed due to the membership's incapacity to register gamers similar to Dani Olmo and Pau Victor. However this summer time, he didn't need the chance to flee.
There isn't a monetary penalty if Barcelona fail to register him, however no person within the membership believes it would come to that. The expectation is that cash shall be raised, gamers shall be moved, and the squad record will function Rashford's title.
Formally, Rashford arrives as a winger. Unofficially, he's a lot extra. Hansi Flick values flexibility above nearly something – and in Rashford he sees a participant who can play left, proper, or centrally. A large ahead who can lead the press, who understands area, and who can slot into quite a lot of roles.
The dialog between each of them advised a supervisor that knew very properly of his circumstances and potential, and a participant that was determined to impress.
Deco initially leaned towards Liverpool's Luis Diaz, and really publicly Athletic's Nico Williams was an alternative choice. However Rashford (as he mentioned, with due respect to all those who needed him) hoped the celebrities aligned for his arrival.
When Robert Lewandowski is unavailable, Rashford will compete with Dani Olmo and Ferran Torres for the quantity 9 function. However when he's on the pitch, it is seemingly he'll function from the left, the place he has all the time appeared most harmful.
Within the presentation, Rashford was accompanied by his brothers, Dwaine and Dane, in addition to Arturo Canales, the middleman who helped navigate the switch.
Even Lamine Yamal performed a task, quietly nudging the method alongside by way of messages on Instagram. A digital friendship born of mutual admiration – Lamine grew up enjoying Fifa with Rashford on his display; now they may share a pitch.
“They most likely consider him like a legend,” mentioned one supply near the gamers.
That admiration was mutual. Rashford sees in Lamine the brightest expertise. Within the two coaching periods they've shared, Rashford has seen the expertise and the intense work, but additionally, when coming into the altering room, why Dani Olmo mentioned it looks like a kindergarten. So many younger youngsters!
The selection of blouse quantity was not unintended. Rashford will put on 14 – the quantity Johan Cruyff made iconic with Ajax and the Netherlands. However it's also the variety of one other hero of his: Thierry Henry. A nod to historical past.
Barcelona have secured an choice to purchase Rashford for 30m euros (£26m) earlier than subsequent summer time. If they don't, they will pay 5m euros (£4.3m) as a penalty.
Rashford, for his half, has accepted a 15% wage discount (as much as 25% when bonuses are factored in), bringing his gross annual wage to about 14m euros (£12.1m).
Rashford involves Spain hungrier and wiser. He grew up watching La Liga on British TV. Fell in love with Barcelona. Dreamed of the Nou Camp. Now, he's right here – simply because the membership, and the stadium, start a brand new chapter.
Spanish soccer has taught us that adaptation takes time. But when Rashford rescales the heights we all know he can attain, Barcelona could have pulled off one thing uncommon in fashionable soccer: a cut price.
