BREAKING: Barcelona Blocked from Registering Marcus Rashford and Joan Garcia Until Player Sales Are Completed
Barcelona’s efforts to strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025/26 season have hit a major roadblock. Despite reportedly reaching agreements to bring in Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia, the club is currently unable to register either player due to ongoing financial constraints and La Liga’s strict Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
There Financial Situation
Barcelona remains under tight financial surveillance by La Liga following years of overspending, poor financial management, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the club has made strides in reducing its wage bill and restructuring debts, it still operates under a salary cap that limits spending on new players, salaries, and amortizations.
La Liga enforces a rule where clubs must stay within a certain “salary limit” based on their revenue. Barcelona has exceeded this limit, meaning they can’t register new signings until they free up space — either by reducing salaries, terminating contracts, or selling players for profit.
Sales Needed Before Signings
To officially register Rashford and Garcia, Barcelona must now prioritize outgoing transfers. Several players — including fringe or high-earners — are believed to be on the transfer list. Names like Ferran Torres, Ansu Fati (back from loan), and even Raphinha have reportedly been discussed in board-level conversations as potential sacrifices to balance the books.
Until those sales are completed and financial leeway is achieved, Rashford and Garcia, despite possibly already training with the team, will be ineligible to play in official La Liga fixtures or be listed in matchday squads.
The Bigger Picture
This is not the first time Barcelona has struggled to register players. In recent seasons, the club had to wait until the final days—or even hours—of the transfer window to register key signings like Jules Koundé or Ilkay Gündogan due to similar financial issues. The continued uncertainty raises concerns over Barcelona’s long-term financial health and its ability to compete in the transfer market against better-financed rivals.
Rashford’s arrival, which was expected to be a statement signing under the new project, is now in limbo — adding pressure on the club’s board to act fast. Similarly, Joan Garcia, who was brought in as a promising domestic goalkeeping option, must wait to be registered despite Espanyol’s acceptance of the transfer terms.
In Summary:
- Barcelona cannot register Rashford or Garcia yet.
- La Liga’s financial rules are blocking the registrations.
- Player sales or wage reductions are urgently needed.
- The club faces another summer of last-minute financial maneuvering.
