The transfer of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United to Barcelona has sparked widespread curiosity and debate—not just about his recent form, but especially regarding the financial terms behind the move. Many football fans and financial analysts alike are questioning why a club like Barcelona, still grappling with financial recovery, would choose to sign a high-salaried player like Rashford.
A Surprising Transfer Amid Financial Constraints
Barcelona’s financial difficulties over the past few years have been no secret. The club has been forced to cut spending, reduce its wage bill, and offload several key players just to stay afloat under La Liga’s strict financial fair play regulations. So when the Catalan giants announced the arrival of Rashford—a player previously among the highest earners at Manchester United—it came as a surprise to many.
However, Rashford’s move to Camp Nou wasn’t just another mega-money deal. In fact, the England international agreed to a substantial salary reduction to make the transfer feasible. At Manchester United, Rashford was reportedly earning around £325,000 per week, which equates to approximately €19.5 million per year.
Upon joining Barcelona, Rashford accepted a 15% pay cut, lowering his annual salary to €14 million. While still a significant amount, it’s a far cry from what he earned in the Premier League.
Not Among the Top Earners in Barcelona’s Squad
Despite his name and reputation, Marcus Rashford isn’t among the highest-paid players at Barcelona. In fact, he only ranks fifth in the club’s current wage structure for the 2025/2026 season. What’s more intriguing is that he earns less than 18-year-old wonderkid Lamine Yamal, one of the brightest emerging stars in world football.
Here is a breakdown of Barcelona’s highest-paid players this season:
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Robert Lewandowski – €20.8 million/year
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Frenkie de Jong – €19 million/year
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Lamine Yamal – €16.7 million/year
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Raphinha – €14.6 million/year
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Marcus Rashford – €14 million/year
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Jules Koundé – €13.6 million/year
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Pedri – €12.5 million/year
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Ronald Araújo – €12.5 million/year
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Dani Olmo – €12.5 million/year
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Ferran Torres – €10 million/year
Rashford Behind Yamal in Salary Hierarchy
The fact that Rashford earns less than Lamine Yamal is one of the most eye-catching revelations from Barcelona’s internal wage list. Yamal, a product of the famed La Masia academy, has been sensational for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team. His dazzling dribbles, creative flair, and maturity on the pitch have quickly elevated him into a central figure in Hansi Flick’s tactical setup.
This salary structure reveals a lot about Barcelona’s evolving internal dynamics. Unlike in the past, when big names automatically commanded top pay, the current management under Flick and sporting director Deco appears to reward current form and future potential more than past reputation.
Why Rashford Accepted a Lower Wage
Sources close to the deal say Rashford’s willingness to accept a pay cut was influenced by multiple factors. The 27-year-old forward reportedly saw the move to Barcelona as a chance to revive his career, challenge himself in La Liga, and compete in the UEFA Champions League. After struggling with injuries and inconsistency at Manchester United, Rashford may view Spain as a fresh start.
In addition, playing for a global giant like Barcelona—especially under a new and ambitious manager like Hansi Flick—offers not just sporting prestige but also long-term branding and marketing potential, both on and off the field.
Final Thoughts
While the signing of Marcus Rashford initially raised eyebrows due to Barcelona’s financial state, the finer details of the transfer paint a different picture. Rashford is not the highest earner at Camp Nou—far from it. In fact, his salary ranks behind several of his new teammates, including teenage prodigy Lamine Yamal.
Still, the move could be a win-win: Rashford gets a new environment to rediscover his best form, and Barcelona secures a top-tier player without compromising their evolving wage policy. Only time will tell if this gamble pays off, but one thing is clear—the Rashford era at Barcelona begins with both sacrifice and promise.
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