"He's back." That's how Jude Bellingham celebrated Marcus Rashford's return to the national team. Rashford's Villa teammate, Leon Bailey, added: "The man."
For Bellingham, Rashford is a regular in the England squad. That's why the new Barça player sent the Madridist a message of support just a few days ago after he underwent shoulder surgery.
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Rashford's decision to sign for Barça wasn't improvised. He had been considering leaving Manchester United for some time. He was already close to signing for Barça in the last winter transfer window.
Only the Catalan club's problems with financial fair play prevented it. The emotional strain, the loss of prominence, and the disconnect with Old Trafford's sporting project pushed him to seek a new adventure.
He was sure about it: he wanted a change of scenery, and his priority was to play for Barça. Before taking the final step, Rashford wanted to compare impressions.
Not with just anyone, but with someone who knew both Spanish and English soccer well. He found the ideal interlocutor in Jude Bellingham. Both have kept a close relationship since their time together with the England squad and have great mutual respect for each other.
A call that was key
According to reports, Rashford personally contacted Bellingham to ask him about Barça. He had read worrying news from England, especially related to the club's finances and its institutional stability. He wanted to clear up doubts before committing to the blaugranas.
The Madridist's response was emphatic. "Don't think twice, you're making the right choice," Jude told him.
He also warned him that the challenge won't be easy. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are performing at a high level, and earning a spot will be tough.
He also encouraged him to accept the competition as extra motivation, convinced that he'll end up being a starter.
Bellingham also gave him personal advice: "Leave United, you're not happy there." The atmosphere in Manchester isn't the best and Rashford knows it well. That stage seems to be over for him, and a change of scenery could reactivate him.
Barça gains ground off the field
This operation isn't just about soccer. In Camp Nou offices, they keep in mind Bellingham's impact on the Asian market. Real Madrid has gained a significant advantage in that territory thanks to the English midfielder's global image.
Rashford, with a very strong media profile, could be Barça's answer in Asia. His charisma, his personal story of overcoming adversity, and his social impact connect with the Asian public, especially young people.
English soccer leads the ranking of preferences in that region, and Barça wants to ride that wave with a recognizable figure.
Rashford's signing not only strengthens the team on the field. It also represents a strategic blow in the battle for the global market, a war that Florentino Pérez and Laporta have been fighting for years in parallel to the Clásicos on the field.