Marcus Rashford is included in Barcelona’s matchday squad for the league clash with Real Mallorca. The Englishman is not injured, so it seems only natural that he will feature for Barça, but in Catalonia in recent years it has not been so common for new signings to be immediately given playing time.
Barcelona’s financial troubles have also caused plenty of headaches when it comes to squad selection, a recurring issue that has haunted the club over the last few years.
The Catalans, still dealing with the aftershocks of their massive debt and the strict enforcement of La Liga’s financial fair play rules, have often found themselves in the awkward position of signing players but being unable to register them in time for the start of the season. On more than one occasion, high-profile arrivals were left waiting on the sidelines for weeks until the club could free up the necessary salary space.
This time, however, the situation looks more encouraging for the Blaugrana. Despite continuing financial constraints, Barcelona have managed to register both of their summer acquisitions: Marcus Rashford, who arrived in a sensational move from Manchester United, and goalkeeper Joan García, signed to provide competition and cover between the posts. The fact that both players are eligible to feature from the very beginning of the new La Liga campaign represents a significant step forward for the club, which has learned hard lessons from the chaos of previous transfer windows.
Head coach Hansi Flick, preparing for his first official league match in charge of Barcelona, had been cautious in the days leading up to the season opener. “It’s a situation I’m not very happy about,” the German tactician admitted during Friday’s press conference, reflecting the uncertainty that has often clouded the registration process. “I trust the club, but we’ll have to wait and see. It was the same story last season we focus on the players we are allowed to use.” His words underlined how disruptive financial restrictions can be for a coach trying to build consistency and rhythm with a new squad.
The relief, therefore, was palpable on Saturday morning when Barcelona officially released the list of players traveling for their first La Liga fixture of the season, away to Real Mallorca at 19:30. Rashford’s name was included, making him available to make his highly anticipated debut for the Catalan giants. García also made the squad, and perhaps just as importantly, Frenkie de Jong is fit enough to travel with the team, giving Flick additional depth in midfield.
The inclusion of Rashford is particularly significant. The English forward arrives at Barcelona with high expectations after a turbulent final season at Old Trafford, where his form fluctuated but his talent was never in doubt. For Barcelona, the move represents both a sporting and commercial coup: Rashford is not only seen as a player who can inject pace, directness, and goals into the attack, but also as a global star capable of boosting the club’s profile and appeal worldwide. Fans will be eager to see whether he can slot in quickly alongside Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, potentially forming a new-look front three.
For Flick, Rashford’s availability opens up tactical options that could immediately change the dynamic of Barcelona’s play. Known for preferring a high-pressing, vertical style, Flick has often emphasized the importance of wide forwards who can stretch defenses and exploit space behind opposition lines. Rashford fits that profile perfectly. It remains to be seen whether he will start against Mallorca or come off the bench, but either way, his debut is now only a matter of hours away, creating a buzz among supporters.
As for Joan García, his signing was more low-key but no less important. Brought in to provide reliable backup and competition to the existing goalkeepers, García is seen as a long-term investment. The 23-year-old Spaniard impressed at Espanyol and arrives with a reputation for calmness under pressure and solid shot-stopping ability. While he is unlikely to start immediately, his registration ensures Flick has depth in a position that has occasionally been problematic for Barcelona in recent years.
The context of the opponent adds further intrigue to tonight’s clash. Real Mallorca, under Javier Aguirre, have developed a reputation for being tough to break down, especially at home. Known for their defensive resilience and compact structure, Mallorca often frustrate bigger sides by denying them space and hitting on the counterattack. Barcelona, therefore, will need creativity, patience, and sharpness in front of goal if they are to come away with three points. Last season’s meetings between the two clubs were tight affairs, with Barcelona managing just one win in two matches. Flick will be keen to ensure his tenure begins with a statement victory.
Barcelona’s preparations for the new season have been relatively calm compared to recent summers. The club skipped participation in the Club World Cup, which allowed the squad more time to rest and recover. Instead, they traveled to Asia for a series of friendly matches against teams such as FC Seoul, Daegu FC, and Vissel Kobe. These fixtures gave Flick the opportunity to experiment with different line-ups and assess the fitness levels of his players. Reports from the camp suggest that while the squad is still adapting to Flick’s methods, there is a growing sense of cohesion and optimism.
Nevertheless, challenges remain. The financial struggles that limited Barcelona’s activity in the transfer market mean that Flick will have to make the most of what he has. Beyond Rashford and García, there have been no other major signings, and the squad depth in certain positions could become a concern if injuries strike. Frenkie de Jong’s inclusion in the squad is welcome news, but questions linger over the fitness of other key players and whether the team has the consistency required to challenge for the title against the likes of Real Madrid and Atlético Madrid.
For now, though, the spotlight will shine firmly on Rashford’s potential debut. The 26-year-old has been handed the chance to reinvent himself in Catalonia, and his first steps in a Barcelona shirt will be watched closely not only in Spain but also back in England. The match against Mallorca offers him the perfect platform: a competitive but winnable fixture where he can showcase his pace, skill, and finishing ability. For the fans, it is the start of a new chapter filled with hope, anticipation, and perhaps even the first glimpse of a star who could help carry Barcelona back to the top.
Kick-off at the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix is scheduled for 19:30 today, with Barcelona eager to begin their campaign on the front foot. For Hansi Flick, Marcus Rashford, and the rest of the squad, tonight’s match is more than just the opening fixture of the season it is the first real test of a new era.
