TAMPA, FLORIDA - JUNE 06: Marcus Rashford #11 of England looks on prior to the international friendly match between England and New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium on June 06, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford is set to return to Manchester United after England’s World Cup campaign (Getty)
Barcelona have decided that they will not sign Marcus Rashford on a permanent deal from Manchester United this summer, according to reports in Spain.
Rashford has just spent the season on loan at Barcelona where he scored 14 goals and registered 14 assists in 49 appearances.
Barcelona, who finished eight points clear of Real Madrid to win La Liga for the second successive season, have the option to permanently sign Rashford for €30 million (£25.8m) this summer.
However, Rashford’s future at Camp Nou looked in doubt following Barcelona’s decision to sign Anthony Gordon in an €80m (£69.3m) deal from Newcastle United last month.
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On Wednesday, Marca reported that Barcelona have decided not to trigger their purchase option to sign Rashford before it expires on June 15.
FC Barcelona players celebrate the La Liga championship with the trophy during the La Liga EA Sports 2025/26 ''El Clasico'' match between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in May 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford helped Barcelona win La Liga last season (Getty)
The report claims that Barcelona have two reasons why they have decided against signing Rashford. The first is that Hansi Flick wants an attacker who can press from the front and the belief is that Gordon is a better option than Rashford.
The second reason is age related as Rashford turns 29 in October, while Gordon only turned 25 in February.
Barcelona’s hierarchy are said to have been happy with Rashford’s performance overall but after doubts began to creep in, Flick’s opinion was the key factor behind the decision to sign Gordon instead.
Rashford is with England’s squad in the United States ahead of the start of their World Cup campaign, which begins against Croatia on June 17.
Speaking in April, Michael Carrick left the door open for Rashford’s potential return to United.
‘There’s decisions to be made on certain things, and obviously Marcus is in that situation,’ said Carrick.
‘But at this point in time, nothing’s been decided. It will be, because it has to be at a certain point, but at this stage, there’s nothing to say.’
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