Manchester United's Marcus Rashford can bring about a homecoming in more ways than one this summer – if he joins Barcelona permanently
Marcus Rashford celebrates a goal during the LaLiga match between FC Barcelona and RCD Espanyol.
Marcus Rashford could be in store for a swift reunion at Barcelona if he joins the club permanently(Image: Europa Press Sports, Europa Press via Getty Images)
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Marcus Rashford could be in line for a coincidental reunion in the event he joins Barcelona permanently this summer. That's after the Catalans announced plans to spend part of their pre-season programme training at St. George's Park.
Los Cules are due to travel to the home of England's national team during the latter portion of their pre-season. And it could see Manchester United attacker Rashford bump into more than a few familiar faces provided he has joined Barca again by that point.
Barcelona will be training at St. George's Park for one week between July 27 and August 3. Barca previously travelled to the same location during their 2014 and 2016 summer programmes, having clearly been impressed by what they saw the first time around.
Rashford's future remains up in the air after an impressive season on loan at the Camp Nou. The England forward has been itching for a permanent move to Catalonia, where he scored 14 goals and assisted another 14 in 49 games this season.
However, there remains to be any firm indication Barca will pay the necessary £26million to complete a permanent deal. Reports have suggested the Spaniards wish to negotiate Rashford's signature for a smaller fee but United are standing firm.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has said he's happy with Rashford's work over the course of their time working together. The German has also reportedly instructed Barca to get a deal done so he can continue working with the 28-year-old.
Marcus Rashford and Hansi Flick
The Manchester United forward is wanted by Hansi Flick(Image: Getty)
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The situation has been somewhat complicated by Barca's acquisition of Newcastle and England winger Anthony Gordon. And not only because Gordon adds competition for Rashford on his preferred left wing.
The £70m transfer also proves Barca's financial position in no uncertain terms. And they'll struggle to convince United they can't complete a move for Rashford on the proposed terms if they sign Gordon for three times the amount.
Rashford has made little secret of his desire to remain at the Camp Nou on permanent terms. He commented on the prospect after scoring against Real Madrid in El Clasico last month to help clinch La Liga for Flick's side.
"I don't know. I am not a magician, but if I was, I would stay," said Rashford at the time when pressed about whether he would like to remain at Barca beyond this season. "So we will see."
The veteran will be away at World Cup 2026 for the foreseeable future. However, that may not be his only brush with the national team this summer if Barcelona move swiftly to secure his signature over the next six weeks or so.