The England forward arrived at the Camp Nou on a season-long loan from Manchester United, where he had been sidelined by head coach Ruben Amorim. The agreement includes an option for Barcelona to buy him permanently for 30 million euros if he delivers on the pitch.

Rashford has already shown glimpses of his quality, scoring once and providing two assists across four pre-season outings for the defending La Liga champions.

Yet, doubts linger over whether he will be cleared to play in time for the league opener, as Barcelona grapple with familiar financial constraints tied to La Liga's salary cap rules, which are based on each club's revenue streams.

These issues have plagued Barcelona in recent seasons, last year, summer signing Dani Olmo sat out the first two matches after a delayed registration following his move from RB Leipzig.

This time around, Rashford, Wojciech Szczesny, and Gerard Martin are among those caught in the limbo, though Barcelona have successfully registered new goalkeeper Joan Garcia after Marc-Andre ter Stegen submitted an injury report confirming a four-month absence.

According to reports, Barcelona's board have approved emergency financial steps to dip below their salary limit, including a bank guarantee worth seven million euros backed by directors' personal assets.

This short-term fix aims to bridge the gap until a major revenue boost arrives. That lifeline comes from a deal to sell executive boxes at the revamped Camp Nou, struck last December, which could inject up to 100 million euros into the club's coffers and ease future signings.

La Liga auditors are reviewing the agreement, with sources indicating approval could come this week or next.

Insiders at Barcelona remain confident that all new arrivals will be registered, either before the weekend or by the transfer window's close on September 1.

Recent updates suggest Rashford is next in line, following Garcia's clearance, as the club outlines a clear path to get him and up to five others approved.

Rashford himself has stayed composed amid the uncertainty. "I'm not worried about my registration," he has said. "It's something the club has to resolve, and I trust they will. I'm focused on training and being ready to start the season."

Barcelona president Joan Laporta echoed that optimism before Garcia's registration was confirmed. "We're working to make it happen," Laporta said. "With Marc's decision, we have the option of registering Joan Garcia, and we're working on the rest. This week we'll have news, hopefully good news, to see if we can register them before La Liga starts. And if we can't, we have time."

The saga underscores Barcelona's transfer challenges, highlighted by Nico Williams' decision to snub them over similar fears. The winger, concerned about registration delays, opted for a fresh 10-year contract with Athletic Club instead.

As La Liga kicks off, Barcelona's bold financial gambit could prove pivotal in getting Rashford firing from the off, or risk starting their title defence on the back foot.

David Hancko's Atletico Madrid dream comes true after transfer drama