Marcus Rashford arrived at FC Barcelona with star status and a salary matching his career. Fans expected to see the English forward shine from the very first minute, but reality has been less enthusiastic.
Yes, he has played minutes, he has been in the starting eleven on several occasions. However, his performance hasn't managed to convince. He lacks spark, determination, and that goal-scoring instinct that took him to the top in the Premier League.
In this context, Rashford is starting to feel the pressure. His place in the team is no longer untouchable, and the arrival of new talents threatens to relegate him to the background.
Roony Bardghji, the youngster arriving to compete
The signing of Roony Bardghji has been one of the surprises of the market. Barça paid just €2 million ($2.13 million) for the 19-year-old Swedish forward from Copenhagen.
A quiet move but full of intent. Bardghji is fast, unbalancing, and hungry for goals. A profile that fits perfectly into Hansi Flick's system.
Deco was the architect of the operation, securing a contract until 2029 for the young striker. The initial plan seemed to be to give him time to adapt, but the team's lack of offensive forcefulness could accelerate his rise to prominence.
From frustration to a dream debut
Bardghji couldn't play in the first three LaLiga matchdays due to registration issues. He missed the matches against Mallorca, Levante, and Rayo Vallecano, despite training with the first team from day one, but that wait is over. The club has announced his official registration and has assigned him the number 28 for this season.
His debut is scheduled for Sunday, September 14, against Valencia. It's an ideal stage to show his qualities. If he meets expectations, he could start earning minutes quickly... even at Rashford's expense.
Rashford at risk of being overtaken
The direct competition is already here, Bardghji isn't arriving to be an eternal substitute. He's here to compete, to earn a spot, and to show that Deco's trust wasn't in vain. If the Swede fits in well and responds with goals, Flick could make drastic decisions and the first victim could be Marcus Rashford.
Deco, with a cheap and visionary signing, has opened the door to a change in the hierarchy up front. The pressure on Rashford is at its highest: he must improve his level immediately or he'll see a 19-year-old overtake him in the rotation.