Barcelona pass on £26m option as Rashford return to Manchester United edges closer

Barcelona have opted against signing Marcus Rashford permanently, declining to trigger the £26m purchase option attached to his loan deal after moving quickly to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for £70m. The decision leaves the 28-year-old forward facing an uncertain future, with a return to Manchester United now the most likely outcome.

Rashford contributed 14 goals and 14 assists during his loan spell at the Nou Camp, helping Barcelona win La Liga. Despite that productive campaign, the Catalan club had wanted to negotiate a lower fee than the one agreed when the loan was confirmed, and Gordon’s arrival — the winger occupying the same left-flank position — ultimately ended their interest.

United appear open to reintegrating Rashford. Manager Michael Carrick indicated at a press conference last season that the door remained open, and positive talks have since taken place between the club and the player’s representatives. Former United captain Harry Maguire has also publicly backed a potential return.

Rashford is currently representing England at the World Cup in North America. He is expected to report back to United’s Carrington training base approximately three weeks after England exit the tournament, and will join the first-team group and be available for pre-season selection upon his return. Should England reach the final on July 19, Rashford would still theoretically be available for United’s final pre-season friendly against AC Milan on August 15.

The forward has two years remaining on his £325,000-per-week contract, which he signed in the summer of 2023 following a 30-goal season. Whether United choose to retain him beyond pre-season or pursue a sale remains to be seen, but the immediate picture points toward a reunion at Old Trafford.