TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – Marcus Rashford will return to Manchester United after Barcelona decided not to activate the €30 million purchase option included in his loan agreement, ending the England forward’s one-season spell at the Spanish club.
As reported by Forbes, Barcelona opted against making Rashford’s move permanent despite the 28-year-old playing a key role in the club’s successful 2025-26 campaign. Rashford contributed 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances across all competitions, helping Barcelona secure the La Liga title and Spanish Super Cup.
The decision comes after Barcelona completed the signing of England winger Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in a deal reportedly worth €70 million. Gordon’s arrival has significantly reshaped the club’s attacking plans for next season.
According to reports cited by MSN, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick preferred a younger forward who better fits his tactical approach. The German manager reportedly favors attackers capable of applying more aggressive pressing and believes Gordon is more suited to the club’s long-term project.
Age was also considered a factor. Rashford will turn 29 in October, while Gordon is 25, making the Newcastle United star a more attractive long-term investment for the Catalan club.
Although Barcelona chose not to retain Rashford permanently, the club is understood to be satisfied with his performances throughout the season. His contributions helped Barcelona successfully defend their domestic league title and remain competitive across multiple competitions.
Forbes reported that Gordon’s arrival also reduced Barcelona’s need for another left-sided attacker. Rashford primarily operates on the left wing, where he competes for playing time with both Gordon and Brazilian star Raphinha. Barcelona’s attacking depth, including young winger Lamine Yamal, further complicated Rashford’s prospects of securing a permanent place in the squad.
Despite speculation that Rashford’s versatility could have worked in his favor, Barcelona ultimately decided against committing to the transfer fee and salary package required to keep him at Camp Nou.
With his loan deal expiring at the end of June, Rashford will now return to Manchester United, where he remains under contract until June 2028.
However, his long-term future at Old Trafford remains uncertain. According to MSN, Manchester United still has not made a final decision regarding several players returning from loan spells.
"There are decisions to be made regarding several players, including Marcus. Nothing is final yet," former United midfielder Michael Carrick told the Mirror.
Rashford is currently focused on international duty with England as preparations continue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. A strong tournament could potentially attract fresh interest from clubs across Europe if Manchester United decides to make him available in the transfer market.
For now, Barcelona’s decision closes a chapter that saw Marcus Rashford revive his form in Spain but fall short of securing a permanent move to the La Liga champions.
Read: 2026 FIFA World Cup to Showcase Canada's Diversity, Ambassador Says
8 Star Footballers Facing Uncertain Futures in the Summer Transfer Window
27 Juni 2025
The summer transfer window runs from June 16 to September 1, but some players may struggle to move due to unresolved market issues.
England Leave Out Marcus Rashford for Opener with Croatia
13 Juni 2021
England manager Gareth Southgate left striker Marcus Rashford on the bench for his team's Group D opener against Croatia at Wembley Stadium on Sunday.
Manchester United Brush Partizan Aside to Reach Last 32
8 November 2019
Manchester United reached the Europa League knockout stages with two games to spare.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg):watermark(kly-media-production/assets/images/watermarks/bola/watermark-color-landscape-new.png,1125,20,0)/kly-media-production/medias/5495647/original/074499000_1770385031-barba.jpeg)
