Marcus Rashford caught up in transfer dilemma after Barcelona star made stance clear

Marcus Rashford could quickly go from sub to starter for Barcelona after they were hit with a transfer dilemma. Rashford, 27, completed his season-long loan move to Barca last week, having seen his Manchester United career turn sour.

After returning from a loan spell with Aston Villa, the England international was ordered to train away from United's first-team as he and four team-mates were put in a 'bomb squad'. But now Rashford has a turned a page, already feeling 'at home' just days after landing in Barcelona ahead of his move which includes a £26million option to buy.

The forward made his debut on Saturday, as Barca beat Japanese side Vissel Kobe 3-1 in a pre-season friendly. Rashford played 30 minutes and his pass to Robert Lewandowski was key in setting up the tourists' second goal, scored by new signing Roony Bardghji.

But how much longer will he and Lewandowski share the same dressing room? Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo report that Rashford's new team-mate is being monitored by clubs in the Saudi Pro League, who are a plotting a move this summer.

It's no secret that Barcelona could do with an influx of cash. Their failure to guarantee top target Nico Williams immediate registration with La Liga resulted in the £50million transfer breaking down and prompted Hansi Flick's side to pursue Rashford.

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Lewandowski turns 37 in a few weeks' time and despite him racking up 42 goals last season, Barca would have a decision to make if they received a lucrative bid. His departure would lead to a vacancy at centre-forward, something which Rashford would relish.

The United loanee recently suggested that he's 'more natural' as a number nine, preferring to play centrally rather than out wide, where he debuted in Japan. "For me, playing as a number nine is becoming more comfortable, more natural," Rashford told last month.

"Small things, such as playing back to goal, it's becoming easier for me. You're always in front of the goal so you're always dangerous."

Should Barcelona sell Robert Lewandowski and use Marcus Rashford as a No.9? Have your say in the comments section.

At things stand, Rashford is expected to start the season supplementing Barcelona's established front three of Lamine Yamal, Lewandowski and Raphinha. That's a role which Ferran Torres thrived in last season, scoring 19 goals and serving as the perfect understudy to Lewandowski, whether it be coming off the bench or from the start.

Torres will be hoping for more starts this season as Flick manages Lewandowski's minutes - unless he's sold. Any move to Saudi Arabia would hinge on the striker's decision, though, and right now he and his family are happy in Catalunya after Barca extended his contract until 2026 earlier this year.

After Barcelona landed in Asia for their pre-season tour, Lewandowski was asked if this would be his last season with the La Liga champions. "There are many things in my head," the Pole replied.

"For me the important thing is not what happens at the end of the season, but what I can do in the current season. I have peace of mind, let's look at this season first."

Lewandowski is also excited to play alongside Rashford, saying: "He is a player with enormous talent. I remember we played Manchester United (in 2023) and Marcus was in really good shape. He can help us and he can play in different positions. There are many games, so he needs to be like that."

Flick agrees, lauding Rashford as his side prepare to face South Korean giants Seoul on Thursday. "Marcus is a great player," the Barca boss said.

"I've been following him for many years, since he started his career at United. He has a lot of quality, and we hope he can show it this season with the team."

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