Marcus Rashford has vowed to 'keep moving' forward as his dream move to Barcelona appeared to be shattered this weekend. The Manchester United star was hoping to make his loan spell at the Camp Nou permanent, but Barcelona's £69m signing of Anthony Gordon has plunged his future into uncertainty.
Rashford's Loan Spell at Barcelona
Rashford spent the entire campaign on loan at Barcelona from United, having made clear his wish to depart Old Trafford last summer. The England international put in an outstanding season at Barca, netting 14 goals and laying on 14 assists across all competitions. Such displays earned him a spot in Thomas Tuchel's squad for this summer's World Cup.
Yet Rashford's future remains up in the air as the summer transfer window edges closer. The 28-year-old featured in the final match of his loan spell with Barcelona earlier this month, and it remains to be seen where he will be plying his trade next season.
Barcelona's Options and Rashford's Message
Barcelona hold the option of signing Rashford on a permanent basis for £26million this summer, but are running out of time to activate that clause before it expires. Amid the continuing uncertainty surrounding his future, Rashford took to social media to post a message. The United loanee shared a series of pictures on Instagram to his 22.2 million followers of himself going through an individual training session, accompanied by a three-word caption which read: 'Keep it moving'.
Impact of Anthony Gordon Signing
What Barcelona have planned for Rashford's future this summer remains to be seen, particularly after already spending big money on Gordon from Newcastle United. Gordon officially became a Barcelona player on Friday, with the England international making the move to the Camp Nou from St James' Park in a deal reported to be worth €80million (£69.3m). Barcelona's decision to sign Gordon has cast doubt over whether they will now look to bring Rashford back on a permanent basis, with both players typically lining up in the same position on the pitch.
Potential Bernardo Silva Move
Reports have also emerged suggesting Barcelona are eyeing a free transfer move for Bernardo Silva, with the Portugal international departing Manchester City this summer. A report in Spanish publication Sport claimed that should Barcelona pursue a move for Silva, they would subsequently opt against pushing for a permanent deal for Rashford this summer. Were that to happen, it would leave United facing a significant decision over Rashford's future — one that could involve seeking another club for the forward or reintegrating him into the first-team squad under head coach Michael Carrick.
Champions League finalists Arsenal are one of several clubs to be linked with the forward in recent weeks.
