Rio Ferdinand sends a warning to Marcus Rashford: What could be! | OneFootball

Barcelona have finally managed to sign Marcus Rashford.

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Former England defender and Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand believes Marcus Rashford will succeed at Barcelona, but he has to be careful about a few things first.

The player has been away from Manchester United since December and was sent on a successful loan spell to Aston Villa before Barcelona were able to buy out his contract.

Since last week, it was reported that the Englishman would sign for Barcelona on a loan deal with the right to buy, which is exactly what happened, ending his 20-year stay at Old Trafford.

In a surprising twist to the transfer saga, the 27-year-old star has reportedly agreed to a slight reduction in his wages to ensure the move goes through. According to renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano, Barcelona will now take on the player’s full salary, demonstrating their commitment to securing his services.

The deal also includes a notable exit clause set at €30 million (£26 million), giving the Catalan club a safety net should things not go as planned. This strategic move highlights Barcelona’s careful financial planning while still aiming to strengthen their squad.

Romano’s update sheds light on the player’s willingness to compromise for the transfer, showcasing his eagerness to join the La Liga giants. The agreement reflects a balanced approach from both parties, ensuring a smooth transition ahead of the new season.

What Ferdinand had to say about the signing

Speaking to a special YouTube channel on the matter, Rio Ferdinand emphasised that Rashford will have to change his style of play to suit Barcelona's La Liga style.

The Camp Nou whispers with an unexpected question these days: Where exactly does Marcus Rashford fit? Many, myself included, never imagined the Barcelona door would swing open for the English forward after two underwhelming seasons that saw his star dim considerably.

"We haven't seen that electrifying Rashford of old," observers note, "the one who terrorized defenses with his blistering runs behind, clinical finishing from impossible angles, and decisive contributions in the final third." His evolution into a more possession-oriented winger, favoring intricate dribbles over his trademark directness, has left many wondering if he's lost what made him truly special.

Yet therein lies the intriguing paradox of this move. "When he commits to those penetrating runs consistently," analysts emphasize, "he becomes unplayable - exactly the dimension Barcelona's attack currently lacks." While Raphinha occasionally makes those bursts, he predominantly wants service to feet. The prodigious Lamine Yamal dazzles with his close control rather than verticality. And Lewandowski, while remaining one of football's deadliest finishers, now operates more as a penalty-box predator than the channel-running force of his peak years.

This transfer, then, becomes more than just another squad addition - it's a challenge to Rashford himself. Does he have the courage to rediscover his most devastating qualities and carve out a role in this new constellation of stars? The answer could determine not just his Barcelona future, but which version of Marcus Rashford we'll see in the coming years.