Marcus Rashford is on the verge of signing for FC Barcelona. Time to throw it back to 2021, when he waxed lyrical about two Real Madrid players.
Last season was one to forget as far as Real Madrid's standings in the Clasico rivalry stand. Not only did they watch Barcelona win the Liga title while being empty handed themselves, but they suffered their fair share of Clasico humiliation last season too.
Nevertheless, it's a new era for Real Madrid. Over the past few months, they bid farewell to Carlo Ancelotti and welcomed Xabi Alonso, who brought in both a new tactical philosophy and a handful of exceptional new players.
Barcelona close to Marcus Rashford signing
That said, Barcelona is refusing to roll over. While they aren't as financially free as Real Madrid may be, the Catalan side is close to making some smart business by signing Marcus Rashford from Man United.
Marcus Rashford was once one of the best players in the Premier League and his loan spell at Aston Villa last season proved he still has that spark.
Therefore, this deal is certainly one to watch from a Real Madrid perspective. The Manchester-born attacker could have his say on the Clasico dynamic next season.
Of course, Rashford boasts a wealth of Premier League and Champions League experience, with two separate clubs. While the last few seasons won't make his personal highlight reel, he'll want to turn his career around in Spain.
Marcus Rashford idolises two Real Madrid legends
Nevertheless, Real Madrid fans have the perfect ammo to poke fun at Barcelona for their next signing. Quotes from 2021 have resurfaced and they're a little... awkward.
Back then, Marcus Rashford was asked to name the toughest defenders he's faced, both in the Premier League and at international level. To which, after some pondering, Rashford named not one, but two former Real Madrid players.
In his own words, Rashford said: “There are some top individual defenders – van Dijk, Ramos. I thought, when we played against Real Madrid in a friendly, that Varane played, and he was quite tough. So there are a few people.”
A tough question to be asked, for sure, but Rashford did name two Real Madrid players as the toughest defenders he's ever played against.
You'd have to hard-press to get any positive comments on Sergio Ramos from Barcelona fans, given the understood hatred there. So, they won't want to think about Rashford's former comments too much.