Barcelona hope to strengthen squad in January using Rashford formula: reports


Barcelona would consider strengthening its squad during the January transfer window by replicating Marcus Rashford’s formula. The Englishman arrived at Camp Nou this summer for a season-long stay and has had a decent campaign.

Rashford28 years old, scored seven goals and 11 assists in 24 matches in all competitions. That includes two goals and eight assists in 17 La Liga matches, where Hansi Flick’s reigning champions are four points clear at the top after 18 matches.

After struggling to gain playing time in the first half of the 2024-25 season at United, Rashford spent the second half of the campaign at Aston Villa, recording 11 goals and nine assists in 41 outings in all competitions.

The striker was then loaned to Barca where he flourished. Encouraged by the ‘formula’, the Blaugrana are looking to use it to strengthen their defense next month, according to SPORT (via Barca Universal). This is after center back Andreas Christensen suffered a potentially season-ending injury, suffering a partial tear in his left ACL.

Barca are looking to loan out a high-profile player who is struggling for first-team minutes at his current club and also include a future purchase option in the deal, such as Rashford.

What’s next for Barcelona?

Hansi Flick, Barcelona head coachHansi Flick, Barcelona head coach
Hansi Flick, Barcelona head coach

Barcelona have enjoyed a decent second season under Germany boss Hansi Flick, who led them to a domestic treble and the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in his debut campaign in 2024-25.

The Blaugrana return to action in the new year with a La Liga trip to rivals Espanyol on Saturday 3 January. Five days later, Flick’s team faced Athletic Club in the semi-final of the Spanish Super Cup.

On January 18, they return to La Liga with an away match against Real Sociedad before resuming their Champions League campaign at Sparta Praha three days later. The Blaugrana are 15th in the 36-team league stage standings, winning three of their first six matches.

Last season, Flick’s team reached the semi-finals, losing in overtime to Inter Milanafter a 3-3 draw at home in the first leg and a 4-3 defeat in overtime.