Barcelona's option to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United for £26 million expired at midnight on Monday, meaning the La Liga giants will have to negotiate a new fee if they still want to sign the forward. United will not engage with Barcelona if the Catalans ask about another loan deal.
Barcelona's Move for Gordon Impacts Rashford's Future
Barca moved quickly to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle in a £70 million deal at the start of the window. Gordon plays on the left wing, and his arrival has influenced Rashford's future this summer.
Rashford's Current Situation
Rashford is currently representing England at the World Cup, but he is set to report for United's pre-season once he enjoys a break after the tournament. The World Cup final will take place on July 19. Even if England reach the final, Rashford will theoretically be back in pre-season in time to be available for United's final friendly of the summer against AC Milan on August 15.
Although United are fine with the possibility of Rashford returning for pre-season, it is understood the club's ideal scenario would be to secure a fee for a permanent transfer in the summer window. He has two years remaining on his £325,000 per week United contract, which was signed in the summer of 2023 after a 30-goal season.
Bayern Munich's Interest
Bayern Munich have considered Rashford after missing out on signing Gordon, who joined Barcelona. Harry Kane, Eric Dier, Michael Olise, and Luis Diaz have all made the switch from England to Germany's biggest club in recent years.
Rashford's Performance at Barcelona
Rashford contributed 14 goals and 14 assists for Barcelona as they won La Liga. Michael Carrick has played with Rashford and coached him, and suggested the door was open for his return when he was asked about the Wythenshawe-born forward's future two months ago.
Carrick said: "I just think there are decisions to be made in time, really, on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation. But at this point in time, nothing's been decided. And it will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there's nothing to say."
When asked whether it was a case of never closing doors with players, Carrick responded: "Yeah, I'm not going on the Marcus individual one, because I think, like I've already touched on, I think to comment either way at this stage is just not the right thing to do, because there's uncertainties, for sure. But for me, as I said, individual players who I'm able to work with in this part of the squad then I enjoy doing that, and trying to get the best out of them."
Carrick did not rule out a Rashford return, but he spoke at a time when Barcelona were pushing United to sell Rashford for a lower fee than £26 million.
United's Financial Situation
United have reduced the wage bill since Ineos took control of football operations, so offloading Rashford is seen as a priority. His number 10 shirt was also given to Matheus Cunha last year.
