Rashford wants Barcelona return despite £26m clause expiring and Gordon signing

Marcus Rashford is pushing for a second spell at Barcelona despite the La Liga club declining to sign him permanently, with Spanish outlet Marca reporting the forward is fully committed to a return — whether on another loan or via a newly negotiated fee with Manchester United.

Rashford, 28, spent last season on loan at the Camp Nou, scoring 14 goals and contributing 14 assists. Barcelona held an option to buy him outright for £26m but chose not to exercise it, leaving his long-term future unresolved heading into the summer window.

According to Marca, Rashford has drawn encouragement from Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick, who is said to have indicated that another move could still be arranged. The report suggests Rashford believes a fresh deal remains achievable despite the permanent clause having lapsed.

His prospects of returning to Catalonia were complicated over the weekend when Barcelona confirmed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle for around £69m, adding competition for wide attacking positions in Flick’s squad.

Separate reports have also floated the possibility of Rashford reintegrating into United’s first-team squad under manager Michael Carrick, who has been in regular contact with the player. Carrick has not publicly closed the door on a return, saying in April: “I just think there’s decisions to be made in time on certain things and obviously Marcus is in that situation.”

Rashford’s strong form in Spain earned him a place in England’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, but his club situation for next season remains unresolved, with both a Barcelona return and a United comeback still live possibilities.