Rashford's Barcelona future dims as Flick backs Bardghji exit and Gordon arrives

Marcus Rashford’s prospects of securing a permanent move to Barcelona are receding, with a series of developments at the Camp Nou this summer pointing away from the Manchester United forward.

Rashford spent the 2024-25 season on loan at Barcelona, contributing 14 goals and 14 assists across the campaign. Despite that output, Barcelona have yet to show any concrete intention to activate their £26 million purchase option, and the club’s recruitment activity is making that outcome look increasingly unlikely.

The most significant blow came when Barcelona confirmed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in a deal reported to be worth €80 million. Gordon operates in the same wide-forward positions as Rashford, and the arrival of his England teammate directly reduces the space available for Rashford in Hansi Flick’s squad.

Further complicating matters, Spanish outlet Sport reports that Barcelona are planning to loan out Roony Bardghji this summer, with a permanent option potentially included. The 20-year-old Swede joined from FC Copenhagen last summer on a four-year contract but has seen limited playing time, and both Bardghji and Flick are said to be in agreement that a temporary departure is the right course. Rashford and Bardghji are reported to have formed a close friendship during the season, meaning the exit of one of his key allies at the club adds a personal dimension to an already uncertain situation.

Reports have also linked Barcelona to Bernardo Silva, who is set to leave Manchester City as a free agent. Should the Spanish club pursue Silva, it has been suggested that any remaining interest in Rashford would effectively be shelved, with the squad budget and positional balance tipping decisively against him.

Rashford had made clear his desire to leave Old Trafford as far back as last summer, and his loan performances gave him a credible case for a permanent exit. But with Gordon now at the Camp Nou, Bardghji heading out on loan, and Silva potentially inbound, the window for a Barcelona deal appears to be closing without a resolution.