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Anthony Gordon's impending €80 million (£69.3 million, $93.2 million) transfer to Barcelona has sparked widespread discussion, particularly due to its significant implications for Marcus Rashford's future.
Gordon has traveled to Spain to put pen to paper on a five-year deal at Camp Nou, where he's set to challenge Raphinha for the left wing spot, and will become only the second Englishman since 1990 to represent Barcelona—Rashford being the first last summer.
Rashford spent the season on loan at Barça, featuring 49 times and contributing 28 goals and assists across all competitions. However, persistent reluctance to trigger a $34.9 million (£26 million, €30 million) option for a permanent deal, coupled with the considerably larger fee being paid for Gordon—who operates in essentially the same position—suggests Rashford's prospects of remaining at Camp Nou are rapidly diminishing.
Nevertheless, reports indicate that Rashford has not abandoned hope of continuing as a Barcelona player next season, even in light of the Gordon transfer.
Rashford Still Wants to Stay at Barcelona
The Athletic reports that Barcelona are still seeking a central striker this summer following the departure of 37-year-old Robert Lewandowski. While Gordon has occasionally filled a false nine role throughout his career, his upcoming arrival does nothing to diminish the club's desire to bring in a genuine No. 9.
Rashford isn't the top candidate for that role—Julián Alvarez and João Pedro are preferred—but the Manchester United forward is at least capable of playing through the middle, even if the left flank remains his preferred position. Following the Gordon announcement, Rashford has reportedly been left without any communication from Barcelona, with neither he nor his representatives receiving any indication of the club's plans. Yet as long as a departure isn't confirmed, those in his camp "still see a chance" he could remain at the club next season.
From Barcelona's standpoint, The Athletic adds that key figures at the club now consider retaining Rashford "more complicated" than previously thought. This doesn't paint an encouraging picture for a player who has made no secret of his desire to turn his loan spell into something permanent.
Manchester United have maintained a firm position throughout the loan that the option clause is non-negotiable and that a second loan will not be considered. At this stage, the most realistic path to Rashford staying at Barcelona would be if the club opts to sell Raphinha, who was actually more productive (29 goals and assists) in 2025–26 despite suffering two significant injuries, and is barely a year older.
Will Rashford Return to Man Utd?
Should Barcelona choose not to exercise Rashford's option clause, he will automatically return to Manchester United once the loan concludes before any other move can be explored.
Rashford originally departed his boyhood club in January 2025—initially joining Aston Villa on loan—after struggling to make an impression on Ruben Amorim in training. The landscape has shifted considerably since then, with United in a far stronger position and Amorim having been replaced by Michael Carrick—Rashford's former teammate and one-time captain. The squad is also in need of a left-wing forward.
Rashford could therefore address a positional gap that would otherwise require the club to divert summer transfer funds away from other priorities, including central midfield reinforcements beyond Éderson, a left back, and a backup goalkeeper. Carrick has not closed the door on welcoming Rashford back into the fold.
Much will hinge on the player himself and whether he believes such a return is viable. But it could represent the ultimate sporting comeback story heading into the club's ambitious 'Project 150.'
Alternative Clubs Rashford Could Join
If Barcelona is not an option and Rashford fails to reach an agreement with Manchester United, his career could take him elsewhere. It appears likely that the Red Devils would prefer a permanent sale in that scenario, particularly given their reluctance to sanction another loan to Barcelona.
Rashford, despite not being a guaranteed starter at Barcelona this season—with 23 of his 49 appearances coming as a substitute—remains a proven performer in Europe's two most competitive domestic leagues.
Should he wish to return to the Premier League, a move back to Aston Villa could hold real appeal. The newly crowned Europa League champions are set to compete in the Champions League next season, and Rashford has publicly credited manager Unai Emery for playing a key role in reviving his career over the past 18 months.
If Villa end up offloading Morgan Rogers this summer, a clear vacancy could emerge.
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Chelsea could be another destination, as their reliance on inexperienced youth contributed to 2025–26 being only the second time in three decades the Blues finished as low as 10th in the Premier League. Rashford would represent a notable step up from Alejandro Garnacho and Jamie Gittens. And despite their long-standing rivalry, Manchester United and Chelsea have exchanged players on a fairly regular basis over the years.
To fill the void left by Gordon, Newcastle United might look to Rashford as a replacement. That sale alone could go a long way toward meeting Newcastle's financial compliance obligations, and the Magpies, freed from the demands of European football, would once again be well-placed to challenge for Champions League qualification—as was the case before their dip in 2023–24.
By making the move to Barcelona last year, Rashford demonstrated a readiness to play outside England, which could open doors to further opportunities on the continent. Bayern Munich had been interested in Gordon before Barcelona moved ahead of them and have consistently looked to the English market for signings in recent seasons.
AC Milan could also emerge as a viable option, being another European club with a history of attracting English talent. The Rossoneri's ownership dismissed manager Massimiliano Allegri along with the club's three most senior executives last week, setting the stage for a sweeping rebuild at San Siro that Rashford could be part of.