Approved! Barcelona announces the signing of Rashford
Beijing time on January 14, Spanish media "Daily Sports" and "Marca" revealed that Barcelona coach Flick approved the signing of Rashford.
Great approval!
In fact, it's not surprising.
As always, Rashford has a bad reputation, but he still has value, and there's no problem with trying him out for half a season on loan.
Barcelona has been talking about signing a winger for a long time, and their previous targets were Leao, Kvaratskhelia, and Nico Williams.
This winter window has seen a huge change.
Kvaratskhelia received a fivefold salary increase to join Paris Saint-Germain, and coach Conte expressed his disappointment at the deal in a press conference on the 13th, saying he was powerless to stop it, which is now almost certain.
Barcelona's best option is gone, leaving only Leao and Nico.
The former is AC Milan's star player, and the asking price will not be lower than 80 million euros.
Nico Williams wants to go to the Premier League, and his release clause of 60 million euros needs to be paid in full.
Barcelona can't afford it, as Olmo only requires an annual amortization of 8 million.
Signing Nico would be financially explosive.
Rashford is not lacking in ability.
He has top speed and finishing skills, and his passing seems to have improved over the past year. However, his poor reputation has made him a constant target of criticism, and his perceived laziness on the field has overshadowed his actual abilities and performances.
Barcelona is not afraid that he lacks ability; they are most afraid that he will perform poorly like he did at Manchester United.
However, this possibility is relatively low.
Firstly, he still has the desire to prove that being let go was a mistake.
Secondly, a change of environment makes a difference.
Just like Sancho, who also had ups and downs, but performed well under Maresca.
These capable players become normal and controllable once they get on track.
Furthermore, this deal offers good value.
It involves a loan plus the need to bear less than half of the salary.
Clubs interested in Rashford are all offering similar terms, and Barcelona, due to its championship-winning potential, is the top priority for players.
Don't forget Laporta's traditional skills; in the past, he convinced Cancelo and Felix to join by lowering their salaries.
Now, it's rumored online that Rashford has also agreed to a 2 million salary cut, meaning Barcelona only needs to cover 2.5 to 3 million in salary for half a season, after tax.
If he performs well, they can sign him next summer at a reasonable price.
Or they can set an optional buyout clause, which would significantly reduce the overall cost compared to signing Nico Williams and Leao.
Regarding sales, the possibility of Araujo leaving has reached 80%.
After winning the Super Cup, the player bid farewell to his teammates, and Lewandowski and Gavi failed to persuade him to stay.
Lip-reading experts have interpreted the celebration of the three parties' championship win, with the uncovered conversation as follows:
Gabi: Stay here.
Lewandowski: Stay with the team now, you'll get playing opportunities, and you can leave at the end of the season, which would be better for you.
Currently, the news is mixed, but it can be confirmed that Araujo has reached an agreement with Juventus on personal terms, which should be an after-tax annual salary of 8 million euros.
At the same time, the Serie A giants are also ready to offer 50 million euros, and will submit a formal offer next week.
With Inigo injured and Araujo leaving, Barcelona has to worry about their defense.
They can either promote young talents from the youth team or enter the winter transfer market with the proceeds from Araujo's sale.