Marcus Rashford's Barcelona wish granted as club make Camp Nou announcement

 Marcus Rashford's dream of playing at the iconic Camp Nou is about to come true as Barcelona has confirmed their imminent return to the legendary stadium.

The Manchester United star had actively sought a loan move to the Spanish giants last summer, expressing his desire for a permanent transfer to Catalonia.

Despite not being able to play at the club's historic home due to a £1.3 billion renovation project, Rashford has enjoyed his time in Spain. Since 2023, Barcelona has been hosting games at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium instead of the Camp Nou. But now, a homecoming is in sight for the Catalan side, who have announced they will be back at the Camp Nou on Saturday when they face Athletic Bilbao.

License approved for Camp Nou return

The club has revealed that a license has been approved for their return, allowing more than 45,000 fans to attend the match.

The statement read: "FC Barcelona informs that the match corresponding to matchday 13 of the League, against Athletic Club, scheduled for Saturday, November 22 at 16:15 hours, will finally be played at Spotify Camp Nou.

"This decision comes after obtaining the first occupancy license corresponding to Phase 1B, which allows increasing the capacity up to 45,401 spectators. This authorization includes the entire Lateral area and adds to the license already granted for Phase 1A, which covers the Tribune and South Goal.", reports the Mirror.

"The Club continues working on Phase 1C to guarantee the resumption of activity in the North Goal, gathering all operational, security, and comfort conditions for members and fans."

Taking to the field at Barcelona's legendary stadium was something Rashford admitted he'd always aspired to accomplish, and that dream came true earlier this week during an open training session ahead of Saturday's clash.

Looking back on his experience at the venue, he remarked: "It's a very nice feeling. It's a beautiful stadium and when it is full it's going to be unbelievable.

"Camp Nou was always one of my favourite stadiums and one I wanted to play in. But to play on it for Barcelona is going to be a different feeling. I cannot wait to be on the pitch. I will enjoy it."

The stadium's reconstruction is set for completion in 2027, when its capacity will expand to 105,000, making it the fifth largest stadium globally.

Regarding Barcelona's strategy for the rest of this season, the club has filed a petition with UEFA to relocate their official home venue back to the Camp Nou for their remaining Champions League matches.

Rashford has accumulated a team-high 15 goals and assists through 16 appearances across all competitions this season, with Barcelona trailing Real Madrid by just three points in La Liga.