Marcus Rashford is now part of Barça's squad. His arrival has been celebrated as a golden opportunity: an international striker with experience in the Premier League and Champions League, who arrives on loan. No transfer fee and with a reasonable purchase option.
For Deco and Hansi Flick, his addition makes perfect sense. It doesn't compromise the salary cap or force complicated moves in the market. If it works out, they'll buy him.
If it doesn't work, he'll be sent back. Easy. However, not everything is as perfect as it seems.
The medical history many overlook
In Manchester, people were no longer just talking about performance. There was constant concern about his physical condition. Rashford, at just 27, has already had to deal with recurring muscle problems in recent seasons.
One of the most frequent has been in the hamstrings. His last season at United made it clear that his body doesn't respond as it used to. In total, he missed more than 15 matches across all competitions and with both his teams last season due to various injuries.
Deco knows it but trusts
Barça's sporting management hasn't acted blindly. Deco is aware of the Englishman's medical history, but he's decided to accept the risk.
First, because the deal has minimal financial impact. Second, because Flick considers him useful even if he's only at 80%.
There's something the club is sure about: if Rashford keeps healthy, he has the level to make a difference at Camp Nou.
If he doesn't, there's a return clause agreed with United. There won't be any losses.
Flick already thinking about his role
The German coach intends to use Rashford as a left winger, taking advantage of his speed and ability to break lines. This could change the current system.
They've even considered using him as a second striker. Or in a more central role if Raphinha takes the right wing and Lamine Yamal goes to the bench.
However, all of that depends on one factor: his availability. The coaching staff's trust is total, but it doesn't hide the internal concern.
He's already arrived with minor discomfort, according to the English federation, and Barça will activate a personalized training plan to avoid relapses. He's expected to arrive today and tomorrow, medical examination.
He'll face it while injured in the hamstrings, a chronic ailment that haunts him. On Thursday, Barça starts its Asian tour and everything suggests Rashford won't travel due to injury. We'll see what the medical tests say.
Bargain or another risky case?
In the best-case scenario, Rashford could be a masterstroke. In the worst, a low-cost signing that doesn't work out and returns to his original club.
However, the player's big weakness is there. His physical condition.
They don't say it out loud, but in the offices it's clear: the Englishman arrives with quality, talent... and a fragility that scares.
Barça isn't risking money, but they are risking minutes, planning, and offensive balance.