Manchester United remain intent on selling Marcus Rashford as several Premier League teams are eyeing the 28-year-old forward as an option, David Ornstein reveals.
Barcelona Say No
Despite a promising maiden campaign at Camp Nou after joining Barcelona on a season-long loan last summer, the Spanish giants have decided against signing Rashford on a permanent deal. The England international returned 14 goals and 14 assists in all competitions, helping the Blaugrana defend their LaLiga title.
Marcus Rashford Stats: 2025/26 Season
| Competition | Appearances | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LaLiga | 32 | 18 | 8 | 9 | 3 | - | 1,762' |
| UEFA Champions League | 11 | 5 | 5 | 4 | - | - | 579' |
| Copa del Rey | 4 | 3 | 1 | 1 | - | - | 249' |
| Supercopa | 2 | 0 | - | - | - | - | 32' |
| Total | 49 | 26 | 14 | 14 | 3 | - | 2,622' |
Source: Transfermarkt.
Hansi Flick is understood to have been a big fan of the United loanee and wanted him to remain a part of the squad next season, with a report from Spain even claiming the German boss had told Rashford this directly. However, Barcelona’s hierarchy prioritised the £70 million capture of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United over triggering the £26 million buy-option in the deal with the Red Devils.
Interestingly, Gordon and Rashford are set to go head-to-head for the starting berth for the Three Lions at the World Cup. Thomas Tuchel is believed to be set to mirror this decision as well, with England’s opening game coming against Croatia on Wednesday.
Barcelona had until 15 June to extend Rashford’s stay in Catalonia, with Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano confirming this morning that the Wythenshawe native had “formally return[ed]” to Manchester, even if he remains in America on international duty. https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2066784339472310422
Tweet: “Marcus Rashford formally returns to Manchester United as €30m buy option clause for Barcelona has now expired. No decision on future yet as Barça are still keen on keeping Marcus but only on loan. Man United taking their time to make decision.”
Rashford Open To Old Trafford Stay
Ornstein claims it is “unclear” whether Rashford will be able to seal an exit before the summer window closes once he flies back to Old Trafford next month.
The Athletic reporter reveals “another switch to Barca is not completely discounted”, nor to another top European club, but United “intend only to entertain permanent solutions.”
Interestingly, amid growing interest from a host of Premier League sides, Rashford is understood to have a “£40 million clause available to all admirers”, except for Liverpool and Manchester City.
Arsenal, Aston Villa – where he spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign on loan – Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have all been credited with interest.
But it is believed Rashford’s preference would be to “honour the remaining 24 months on his deal [at Old Trafford] rather than join an English team”, while Michael Carrick is understood to have “left the door ajar” for a return under his watch.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of the player or coach’s wishes, INEOS are steadfast in their plan to be rid of the club’s most expensive contract, which will increase once the Champions League bonus kicks in. There remains optimism that an offer from elsewhere in Europe may present itself, with Bayern Munich said to be on the hunt for a left winger after losing Gordon to Barcelona.
But if push comes to shove in the final weeks of August, a return to Camp Nou on loan with full wage coverage is a better alternative financially than reincorporating a player whose race is run in M16.
Featured image Mike Hewitt via Getty Images
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