By Ross KilvingtonGary Lineker endeared himself to the supporters of the Catalan giants by not only helping the club win the Copa del Rey in 1988 and the European Cup Winners’ Cup a year later, but by scoring 51 goals in three seasons.Lineker’s four-goal salvo against Real Madrid in 1987 didn’t do his reputation much harm either, but by the summer of 1989, he was on his way out of Spain.Johan Cruyff’s appointment signalled the end for the English striker, who was forced to play out of position on the left wing. With his confidence shot, Lineker returned to England to join Tottenham Hotspur.Marcus Rashford’s move to Barcelona is arguably one of the more interesting transfers of the summer window thus far.He joins on a season-long loan deal, with Barcelona having an option to buy next summer. If following in the footsteps of Lineker wasn’t daunting enough, Rashford will wear the number 14 during his Spanish sojourn.This is the number made famous by Cruyff and worn by Thierry Henry. Whether it was a deliberate choice or not by the 27-year-old remains to be seen. If he goes on to accomplish half of what either Cruyff or Henry managed at Barcelona, it could turn out to be an excellent signing indeed.Why Hansi Flick wanted Marcus Rashford“Hansi Flick was another key factor for me to join Barca. The conversations I had with him were very positive.” Said Rashford upon his arrival at the club.Last season, Flick’s side won LaLiga and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League. Across their 60 competitive games, the club scored a quite remarkable 172 goals.The German manager was able to call upon players such as Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha, Ferran Torres and of course, Lamine Yamal. Quite the attacking quartet.Barcelona top goal contributions, LaLiga 2024/25Flick clearly wanted some depth ahead of the 2025/26 season, with both Yamal and Raphinha playing over 4,500 minutes each throughout the campaign.As such, Rashford will be tasked with operating on the left wing by Flick, although he could be used to deputise in a more advanced role if required.Barcelona relied on the genius of Yamal on the right flank as the main source of inspiration last season. Indeed, the teenager scored 18 goals and registered 25 assists last term (all competitions).Raphinha did register 59 goal involvements for Barcelona, but he tended to drift inside more often than Yamal.As such, Rashford would surely increase the threat posed down the left hand side of the pitch, encouraging the Brazilian to operate centrally, where he is obviously much more dangerous.The pressure will be on the winger to perform straight from the off at Barcelona, but this remains a wonderful opportunity for Rashford to finally demonstrate his talents.Marcus Rashford has a point to prove at BarcelonaLast season was a case of Jekyll and Hyde for the Manchester-born star. He managed to score just seven goals during the first half of the campaign for the Red Devils.Ruben Amorim didn’t fancy him much, meaning the winger joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the campaign.In need of a club and manager that placed faith in his abilities, Villa was the perfect playground for Rashford. Four goals and five assists was a more than acceptable return, but the most important thing was that he looked more confident.Rashford’s loan spell at Aston VillaThis was evidenced in the Champions League. Rashford may have played just 309 minutes in the competition for Villa, but he ranked in the top 4% for successful crosses (1.75) per 90, along with ranking in the top 14% for touches in the opposition penalty area (6.70) and in the top 19% for big chances created (2.04) per 90 last season.His big game experience will be a massive bonus for Flick, as to his positional flexibility, with the 27-year-old able to operate either out wide or as a centre-forward.Rashford may have endured several inconsistent seasons of late, but when he is fit and confident, there is no doubting his abilities.The 2022/23 campaign saw him score 30 goals in all competitions for Manchester United. This was Rashford at his best, showcasing his direct running at the opposition, pure pace, and his desire to shoot whenever a chance presented itself.A return to this sort of form next season could see Rashford shine with the Blaugrana.He will have to improve his defensive work rate at the club – something which Flick discussed in length with the winger before he signed – if he wants to earn a regular place in the starting XI.Given his form last season and the fact he is arguably in the prime years of his career, there is no doubt Rashford needs Barcelona more than the club needs him.Rashford’s player traits comparison – against players in top five leaguesThe next 12 months could either make or break the Englishman’s career. A move to Barcelona is a dream for almost every player in the professional game.Questions may be asked whether Rashford deserved such a move. But as proven in the past, when at his best, the winger is almost unstoppable.Barcelona expects greatness from the Englishman. Hopefully the number 14 on his back acts as a catalyst for glory next season as opposed to an unbearable burden.(Cover image from IMAGO)You can follow all Rangers’ game on FotMob in the 2025/26 season – with in-depth stat coverage and player ratings. Download the free app here.