Flick Bids Farewell to Rashford With Gratitude and Admits That Barcelona Will Feel His Absence

Rashford's departure leaves a difficult void to fill at Barcelona.

Flick and the void left by Rashford

Hansi Flick acknowledged that FC Barcelona will miss Marcus Rashford next season, after the English striker returned to Manchester United at the end of his loan. The German coach valued the contribution of the 28-year-old striker, who was key in winning the 2025-26 La Liga with 25 direct contributions to goals (14 goals and 11 assists). "I'm going to miss him; he's a fantastic player and a great person," Flick said after the friendly against Birmingham City.

The loan included a purchase option of 30 million euros, but the deadline expired on June 15 without Barça exercising the clause. Instead, the Catalan club reinforced their attack with Anthony Gordon from Newcastle and Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund, while also maintaining contact regarding Julián Álvarez

New names and first tests

In the preseason friendly, Barça drew 2-2 and lost on penalties to Birmingham. Hamza Abdelkarim made his debut there with two goals, and Adeyemi made a good impression. Flick highlighted the German's speed and finishing ability: "He has enormous potential and can make a difference."

The squad is not yet complete, as several players are still on vacation after the World Cup, including Lamine Yamal, Pau Cubarsí, and Pedri, who were champions with Spain. Ferran Torres, who scored the decisive goal in the final against Argentina, is also absent

Ferran, a key player in the project

With a contract until 2027, Torres has scored 65 goals in 207 games with Barça and is coming off his best season with 21 goals. Flick was blunt about his continued presence: "We hope he stays; he's essential for us." The coach is confident that the striker will maintain his level and provide leadership in a season marked by changes and the absence of Rashford, whose impact at Camp Nou will be difficult to replace