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Lamine Yamal’s surprising reaction emerges after learning Barcelona wanted Marcus Rashford

Originally posted on HITC | By Sean Fisher | Last updated Oct 23, 2025 3:18 PM ET

Marcus Rashford faces the challenge of breaking into a Barcelona line-up that already features one of the game’s brightest young talents in Lamine Yamal.

Throughout the summer, there was growing speculation that Rashford’s move to Barcelona was more than just a rumour. Eventually, he made it happen, joining on a season-long loan and stepping into a side with high expectations.

He has wasted no time getting involved, quickly finding his place in Hansi Flick’s starting XI, as early opportunities have come his way, partly due to injuries within the squad.

Yamal and Robert Lewandowski have both been dealing with fitness issues, giving Rashford an early chance to make an impression.

While the Briton has not set the world alight just yet, he has shown enough flashes of quality to suggest he can contribute.

Rashford was reportedly eager to play with Yamal, and the Spaniard’s response to the loan move has since come to light.

Lamine Yamal’s first reaction to Marcus Rashford arriving at Barcelona

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Even before the move was finalised, Yamal was seen in a United shirt while links between Rashford and Barcelona were swirling. He has also expressed an interest in playing at Old Trafford one day.

At the moment, though, the Ballon d’Or nominee is focused on getting back to full fitness, so he can challenge Rashford for a place in Hansi Flick’s team.

Speaking to the BBC, Guillem Balague explained how Yamal responded when he first learned that Rashford was heading to Barcelona.

“Lamine, who by the way, when he found out Barcelona were interested in Rashford, he said ‘get him, get him.’

“Because he used to play with him on the PlayStation because he was so good, so fast. Everybody loves him, a bit quiet as we know, but he’s very adapted to it.”

The journalist added: “He’s adapted closer to the older guys at Barcelona, but the younger guys admire him because he’s been at big clubs.”

Barcelona could make Marcus Rashford loan a permanent deal next summer

The loan deal between Manchester United and Barcelona includes a £26m buy option, which the Spanish side can activate next summer.

They are widely expected to trigger that clause, given how well things have started. But this will still depend on whether they have room within their budget.

Barcelona are dealing with significant financial challenges and carrying massive transfer debt from previous signings. Should the situation off the pitch not improve, affording the Carrington graduate could prove difficult.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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