- Marcus Rashford could return to Man Utd
- Barcelona have signed Anthony Gordon
- Leaves potential Camp Nou switch in limbo
Barcelona have signed Anthony Gordon and, with that, have cast doubt on signing Marcus Rashford permanently from Manchester United. The Red Devils forward has spent the season on loan at Camp Nou.
The La Liga giants announced Gordon’s acquisition on Thursday, and he was unveiled to the Catalan club’s fans. They have paid £69.3m to Newcastle United for Rashford’s England teammate.
Gordon has enjoyed a fine season at St James’ Park in a team that has nosedived under Eddie Howe. The 25-year-old has managed 17 goals and five assists in 46 games across competitions.
Rashford’s uncertain situation
Gordon is undoubtedly a decent signing, although the price tag is a surprise, especially given Barca’s financial situation. He ticks plenty of boxes for Hansi Flick’s side, including his versatility, as he can play a centre-forward role or out on the left wing.
That’s how Rashford had been used throughout his loan spell with the Spanish champions. He wasn’t always a starter, but he made a huge impact on Flick’s team.
Rashford registered 14 goals and as many assists in 49 games across competitions. He linked up well with the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Pedri and Lamine Yamal.
While reports suggest Barca haven’t ruled out signing Rashford permanently, they have clearly prioritised Gordon. That has to alarm the United loanee who is eager to join the Spanish club permanently.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Rashford is not currently considering other offers. He hasn’t been told the Catalans don’t count on him, and he’s still trusting Flick’s message that he wants him to stay.
The problem is that Barca have been reluctant to pay the £26m buy option in his loan agreement. To spend nearly £70m on Gordon suggests he isn’t a necessity for the Blaugrana.
For Rashford, that has to be dissapointing given his contributions in their La Liga title-winning season. Watching Gordon arrive for such a huge fee, even though he has already shown his worth, feels unjustified.
Other options
Rashford’s United career does look to be over despite the possibility of him missing out on his desired permanent switch to Camp Nou. The 28-year-old fell out with former head coach Ruben Amorim and hasn’t played since being exiled in late 2024.
There might be other destinations for the Carrington-produced attacking talent. Bayern Munich missed out on Gordon to Barca and could very well move for Rashford instead.
Aston Villa took Rashford on loan during the second half of the 2024-25 campaign. He didn’t join Unai Emery’s side permanently after the Villans missed out on Champions League qualification.
United are keen on signing a new winger this summer, but Michael Carrick probably wouldn’t be dismissive of Rashford’s return. The issue comes down to financials as he earns £300,000 per week on his current contract, and even then, he might feel his Old Trafford story is over.
