Marcus Rashford’s first two weeks at Barcelona have been anything but ordinary, with a whirlwind of drama off the pitch threatening to overshadow his highly anticipated debut. The England forward, signed amid huge expectations, has yet to play his first home match and even that remains uncertain.
This Sunday, Rashford is set to feature against Como in the club’s final pre-season friendly. However, instead of the grand stage of the Nou Camp or the Olympic Stadium, the game will be played at the modest Johan Cruyff Stadium training facility. This unusual venue choice is just one chapter in a summer marked by financial wrangles, stadium delays, and internal dressing-room tensions.
Barcelona’s ongoing financial troubles continue to make headlines. La Liga has so far refused to register several new signings including Rashford due to strict wage cap regulations. Hopes of easing the situation were dented when goalkeeper and captain Marc-André ter Stegen’s back surgery halted a planned sale. Efforts to deregister him until January sparked a standoff, leading to temporary disciplinary measures and the removal of his captaincy before a truce was reached. With Ter Stegen sidelined and unregistered, Rashford’s competitive debut will depend on whether the club can sort out the paperwork before the season opener against Mallorca.
The Nou Camp’s £1 billion renovation has also hit delays, disrupting plans for a grand homecoming. While the pitch and lower seating are ready, much of the stadium still resembles a construction site. Officials hope to open partially for the Valencia match in mid-September, allowing 27,000 fans, provided safety requirements are met. Tickets are yet to go on sale, and backup plans remain in place. For now, Rashford must settle for smaller stages before experiencing a full Nou Camp debut.
On the pitch, Rashford’s preseason performances have been promising. He shone in a 3-1 win over Vissel Kobe and netted his first goal in a 5-0 victory against Daegu. With Robert Lewandowski sidelined through injury, Rashford now has a clear path to start as Barcelona’s leading striker, likely partnering Ferran Torres and featuring both centrally and on the left.
While Barcelona’s chaotic backdrop could shield him from intense early scrutiny, any quiet start will likely vanish if he finds consistent scoring form. For now, the drama off the field may just be the perfect curtain-raiser for his story in Catalonia.
