Barcelona are considering a fresh move for Marcus Rashford, despite appearing to have decided against signing the England forward permanently after his loan spell from Manchester United.
Rashford spent the 2025-26 season at Barcelona and made a positive contribution, being involved in 28 goals during his time at the Spanish club. However, Barcelona chose not to activate the purchase option included in the loan agreement.
Instead, the club moved to strengthen its attack by signing Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, which appeared to signal that Rashford’s future would lie away from Camp Nou. That stance could now change before the transfer window closes.
According to a report by English website TeamTalk, Barcelona remain in contact with Rashford’s representatives while reviewing their attacking options. The club is understood to be assessing whether bringing the 28-year-old back remains a possibility.
The development comes as Barcelona continue to face difficulties in their efforts to sign Atletico de Madrid striker Julian Alvarez. Those problems could encourage the Catalan club to reconsider Rashford as an alternative before the end of the transfer market.
Barcelona continue to value Rashford’s ability to operate in several positions across the attacking third. That versatility has become particularly relevant following the departures of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, according to the same report.
Rashford’s previous spell at the club has therefore not been completely dismissed, even though Barcelona had initially opted against making his move permanent. The club’s interest is linked both to the uncertainty surrounding the Alvarez pursuit and to the need to maintain depth in its forward line.
Manchester United face a difficult decision
The situation is more complicated from Manchester United’s perspective. Rashford has returned to the club, leaving United prepared to carry one of the largest wage commitments in the Premier League.
However, there is still internal debate over whether keeping the forward represents the best long-term solution. That discussion could intensify if Barcelona, or another club, submits a financially attractive proposal before the transfer window shuts.
Manchester United must therefore weigh the cost of retaining Rashford against the possibility of securing a deal that would improve their financial position. The club’s current position is not described as final, with the player’s future still dependent on the offers and options that emerge in the coming weeks.
For Barcelona, a return would require a change of plan after the decision not to use the purchase clause in Rashford’s loan agreement. Their continued contact with his representatives suggests the door has not been closed, particularly while the pursuit of Julian Alvarez remains difficult.
Rashford’s ability to cover more than one attacking role could make him an appealing option for Barcelona if they are unable to complete their preferred transfer. At the same time, Manchester United’s willingness to consider alternatives means the forward’s next move remains unresolved.
The outcome is likely to depend on whether Barcelona can find a solution to their attacking requirements and whether a financially acceptable offer arrives for Manchester United before the market closes.
