Marcus Rashford set for emotional reunion with ex-Man Utd star and close pal in one of his first games for Barcelona

MARCUS RASHFORD could line up against one of his closest mates in one of his first games for Barcelona once his move is confirmed.

Rashford, 27, is set to seal a season-long loan move to the Nou Camp this week, bringing an end to a drawn-out saga that has seen his time with boyhood club Manchester United end on a sour note.

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The England forward, who is already in Spain to seal the move, is only leaving on a temporary basis, however Barcelona will hold a buy-option believed to be around £26m in his contract.

Once the move is officially confirmed by both United and Barca, Rashford could be cleared to take part in the Catalan club’s pre-season tour of South Korea.

That three-match warm-up tour will see Barcelona take on K League outfit FC Seoul – setting up a clash against a familiar face for Rashford.

FC Seoul is the unlikely home of former Man Utd star and Rashford’s close friend Jesse Lingard.

Lingard, 32, has been playing out in South Korea since early 2024, where he has made 49 appearances for FC Seoul, scoring 12 times and registering six assists.

Rashford and Lingard played together at United between 2016 and 2022, sharing the pitch together 134 times.

While they also represented England alongside one and other on 18 occasions.

Barcelona will also take on Vissel Kobe and Daegu during their Asian tour.

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Jesse Lingard plays for South Korean side FC Seoul[/caption]

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Rashford and Lingard are close pals after their time playing together at Man Utd[/caption]

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Despite Rashford’s likely inclusion in the pre-season tour, reports suggest that he could fail to make his competitive debut for some time.

That’s because Barcelona are said to be unable to register Rashford with LaLiga until they have flogged a number of their current players to free up salary space.

Barcelona have been hit by LaLiga spending limits in recent years, with delays in registering Dani Olmo and Pau Victor last season, only to later have their registrations revoked.

LaLiga president Javier Tebas said the club’s financial situation also blocked a deal for Nico Williams, who instead signed a new contract with Athletic Bilbao.

Barca are thought to have agreed to pay Rashford’s hefty £325,000-per-week wages IN FULL during his loan switch.

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