MARCUS RASHFORD’S potential Barcelona debut has been CANCELLED.
The academy graduate’s evening.
The 27-year-old is expected to link up with ‘s squad in the coming days after they jetted off to Asia for their pre-season tour.
Their first game had been due to take place in against Vissel Kobe this Sunday.
However, the club have now revealed in a statement that they have cancelled their trip there due to “serious contractual breaches” by organisers.
A statement released shortly after the announcement of Rashford said: “Barcelona announces that it has been obliged to suspend its participation in the game scheduled for next Sunday in Japan due to serious contractual breaches on behalf of the promoter.
“Nevertheless, the club will consider readjusting the leg of the summer tour in , where two games are scheduled against FC Seoul (31 July) and Daegu FC (4 August), if certain conditions are met by the promotor.
“If these conditions are met, then the Club will travel to South Korea in the coming days.
“FC Barcelona regrets this incident and the impact it will have on the many, many Barça fans in Japan.”
While the move will mean fans hoping to get a first look at Rashford in Barca colours on the pitch will have to wait four more days, it will give the attacker more time to gel with his team-mates on the training ground.
Rashford - who will wear the No14 shirt during his loan spell - said he was “very excited” to join the club, adding it felt “like home” already.
He also highlighted the hunger of the team and head coach Hansi Flick to win titles, while also reserving special praise for wonderkid .
The England international told reporters in attendance at a press conference streamed live on Barcelona’s channel: “He’s (Yamal) a special talent.
“For me, last season he was one of the best players in the world, if not the best. It’s exciting.
“Everyone in the sport wants to play with the best, and there’s a lot of talent in this squad.
“I’ve seen that over the past few days. I’m happy and eager to play with them. Maybe I can help them, and they can help me. It’s going to be exciting.”
Rashford’s first competitive game for Barcelona is set to come in against Mallorca on August 16.
are understood to be paying 100 per cent of Rashford’s whopping £325,000-a-week wages - which he’s unlikely to get should he permanently move to the Nou Camp in 2026.
Taking Rashford on an initial temporary basis - with a £26million buy option included - helps Barca as they continue to navigate a difficult financial situation, with the player also eager to secure a place in the squad for the 2026 World Cup.
The deal does not allowto recall the forward and a permanent switch will see Rashford end his 20-year association with United.
The Red Devils will save£15MILLIONin wages over the next year, which could provide Amorim with vital funds to overhaul his squad.
Joininghas been Rashford’s No1 option since he declared in December that he was ready for a new challenge after being iced out by Amorim.
He will be the first international to wear Barcelona colours since , who played there between for three years between 1986 and 1989.
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