Tottenham eye Rashford but balk at £40m United clause as Barcelona exit ends loan hope

Marcus Rashford is back at Manchester United following Barcelona’s decision not to exercise the option to sign him permanently, with Tottenham Hotspur now emerging as potential suitors — though a significant sticking point over his release clause threatens to complicate any deal.

Barcelona, where Rashford spent last season on loan, opted to pursue Anthony Gordon rather than make the 27-year-old’s move to the Nou Camp permanent. Rashford had hoped to remain in Spain, but instead finds himself back at Old Trafford with his long-term future still unresolved.

Tottenham have placed Rashford on their list of transfer targets, according to the i Paper, but are understood to be unwilling to meet the £40 million release clause in his United contract — the same figure Aston Villa would have needed to trigger had they signed him permanently during his 2024–25 loan spell. Spurs are instead considering submitting a reduced bid for the forward.

Rashford’s own preference may complicate matters further. Reports suggest he would favour a move abroad over a switch to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Bayern Munich have also been linked with an interest, while Villa remain in contention after his reasonably successful stint at the club between January and June 2025, during which he contributed positively before returning to United.

Despite Barcelona’s willingness to take him on loan again, United are believed to have no interest in another temporary arrangement. His relationship with the club soured under Ruben Amorim, who sent him to Villa and subsequently excluded him from the first-team squad on his return. With Michael Carrick now in charge at Old Trafford, that dynamic is reported to be unchanged.

Tottenham head coach Roberto De Zerbi is said to be a strong admirer of Rashford’s qualities. His direct running and attacking intent would align with De Zerbi’s high-intensity system, and Spurs — who managed just 48 Premier League goals last season — are actively seeking additional firepower after narrowly avoiding relegation. The club have already added Andrew Robertson, Marco Senesi and Jan Paul van Hecke this summer as they look to reshape their squad quickly.

Rashford registered 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances during his time at Barcelona, a return that attracted interest from several clubs but ultimately was not enough to persuade the Catalans to commit to a permanent deal.