Rashford cleared for Barcelona debut after registration drama

Marcus Rashford applauds during Barcelona's Joan Gamper Trophy match, now officially registered for La Liga (Illustrative image) (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Getty Images

Marcus Rashford has been officially registered in Barcelona's La Liga squad and can make his Spanish league debut tonight against RCD Mallorca. The England international will be available for Barcelona's season opener at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix as they begin their title defence.

Registration was confirmed on Saturday morning after days of uncertainty due to La Liga's strict financial fair play rules. Barcelona faced a race against time to create the necessary salary space within their restricted wage cap.

Financial deals clear the way

According to ESPN, a series of deals completed on Friday proved crucial in securing Rashford's registration. The transfer of Francisco Trincão's remaining 50% rights to Sporting CP for €11 million helped create essential salary space.

Jules Kounde's contract restructuring also played a key role, spreading the amortisation payments on his €55 million transfer fee over three additional years. These financial manoeuvres allowed Barcelona to comply with La Liga's salary cap restrictions.

Additional measures required

The Daily Mail reports that Rashford sacrificed 15% of his £315,000 weekly salary to facilitate the move from Manchester United. Barcelona executives also put their personal wealth at risk through a €7 million bank guarantee to ensure the registration could proceed.

Marc-Andre Ter Stegen's five-month injury assessment reportedly enabled both Rashford and goalkeeper Joan Garcia to be registered within the salary cap limitations.

Manager and player reactions

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick expressed frustration about the registration uncertainty on Friday. "For me, the situation, you can imagine I'm not happy about that. But I know the situation and I believe in the club," he said.

Flick added: "We will focus on what we can change and what is in our hands. The other things, I believe in the club."

Rashford remained calm throughout the process, stating: "I'm calm; I trust that the club will sort it out. I'm just concentrating on training and getting in good shape to start the competition."

With Robert Lewandowski injured, Rashford is now one of only four attackers available for tonight's match. He could make his debut alongside Lamine Yamal, Ferran Torres and Raphinha as Barcelona begin their La Liga title defence.

Sources used: "Manchester Evening News", "Daily Mail", "ESPN" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.