Rashford faces Barcelona exit as Gordon's £70m move casts doubt on permanent deal

Marcus Rashford’s chances of securing a permanent move to Barcelona have been thrown into serious doubt after the Catalan club completed a £70 million deal for Anthony Gordon, who plays in the same position as the Manchester United forward.

Rashford is currently on loan at the Camp Nou and has repeatedly expressed his desire to remain there. Barcelona hold an option to sign him permanently for £26 million, but Gordon’s arrival makes it difficult to see a path to that outcome.

Despite the awkward situation, Gordon revealed that Rashford responded to the news with characteristic warmth. Speaking after England’s 1-0 victory over New Zealand, the former Newcastle United winger said Rashford had been nothing but supportive.

“He was just telling me how good the lads are there, the team spirit that they have, which I heard already from the people in Barca,” Gordon told talkSPORT. “So I’m really looking forward to joining up with them. He was also telling me about the city, places to live. He’s a lovely guy, very caring. So he was just giving me a bit of information.”

Both players are currently part of England’s World Cup squad, meaning the two have been in close contact since the Gordon deal was announced.

Back at Old Trafford, new permanent manager Michael Carrick is working to strengthen his squad following a season that ended with a return to the Champions League places. Central midfield remains a priority, with a deal already agreed for Atlanta’s Ederson.

United are also in the market for a left-back to compete with Luke Shaw, and Eintracht Frankfurt’s Nathaniel Brown had been identified as a target. However, that pursuit may be complicated by developments in Germany.

According to Sky Sport Germany, the 22-year-old Brown has agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich on a contract running until 2031. Bayern have not yet met Frankfurt’s £51.8 million asking price, meaning the transfer remains unresolved — but United’s chances of signing him appear to be fading.