Barcelona’s scintillating 5-4 Champions League victory over Benfica showcased their firepower, led by an extraordinary front line. With 26 goals in seven Champions League matches and 52 in 20 La Liga games, the Catalan side boasts Europe’s most prolific attack. Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, and Lamine Yamal have an astonishing 59 goals between them this season.

This attacking prowess leaves many wondering why Barcelona would consider adding Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford to their squad. The English forward, undoubtedly talented, would need to fit into an attack that already seems unstoppable.

Despite their dominance, Barcelona must plan for the future. Lewandowski, who turns 37 in August, remains at the peak of his powers, but the club knows his time is limited. Marcus Rashford, at 27, represents a younger, versatile option who could transition into Lewandowski’s role or complement Barcelona’s attack.

Rashford’s ability to play across the front line and his natural goalscoring talent are attractive for a team like Barcelona. His skill set aligns with Hansi Flick’s tactical demands, and his proven track record in Europe adds credibility to the potential move.

However, Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, has admitted the club is prioritising extending contracts for existing players before considering new signings. Deco emphasised that Rashford was not a specific request from manager Hansi Flick, which further complicates the possibility of a move.

Barcelona’s financial struggles in recent years are well-documented. Though they’ve made progress in balancing their books—largely thanks to revenue from advanced ticket sales for the refurbished Camp Nou—they remain cautious. With salary caps and financial fair play regulations still looming, adding Rashford’s wages to an already packed payroll could be problematic.

Barcelona would need to offload players to make room for Rashford. Eric Garcia, linked with moves to Girona, Real Sociedad, and Como, was seen as a potential departure. However, his heroics against Benfica, where he scored a crucial equaliser, have likely solidified his place in Flick’s plans.

Without clearing Garcia or other players off the wage bill, bringing in Rashford seems unlikely.

Rashford’s potential arrival raises questions about his role. He would not displace Lewandowski, Raphinha, or Yamal as starters, meaning he’d compete with Ferran Torres for a backup role. Torres has accepted his position as a rotational player, but would Rashford—used to starting at Manchester United—be content with limited minutes?

Moreover, Barcelona’s tactical setup might not immediately suit Rashford. While his versatility is an asset, the current attacking trio has developed excellent chemistry, and Flick would need to carefully integrate a new player without disrupting their rhythm.

Barcelona’s chaotic win against Benfica demonstrated both their attacking brilliance and defensive vulnerabilities. While Rashford’s arrival wouldn’t address the defensive issues, the performance highlighted the value of adaptable players like Eric Garcia. Flick’s reluctance to sell Garcia strengthens the case against signing Rashford in this window.

Rashford’s potential move to Barcelona might not stem solely from the club’s needs. Instead, it could be driven by his desire to leave Manchester United, where he has found himself out of favour under Ruben Amorim. Barcelona represents a prestigious escape route, but the fit between player and club remains questionable.

If Rashford were to join, he would need to adapt to a secondary role and wait for his opportunity to shine. Whether he sees Barcelona as a temporary refuge or a long-term home will depend on how the situation unfolds in the coming weeks.

While Rashford’s talent and versatility make him an intriguing option, the reality is that Barcelona does not urgently need him. Their attacking lineup is already among the best in Europe, and their financial constraints and tactical considerations further complicate the prospect of a move.

For now, Rashford to Barcelona feels more like a transfer rumour than a genuine solution to the club’s needs. Unless circumstances change dramatically, the likelihood of seeing Rashford in Blaugrana colours this season remains slim.