28 May 2026 08:02 BST |
5 min read
Marcus Rashford has set his sights on a permanent move to Barcelona this summer, yet the Catalans’ stunning move for Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon has put this in jeopardy. Can the Manchester United attacker seal his dream move?
Barcelona are set to complete the first major transfer of the summer window, having acted rapidly to put Gordon on the brink of a shock €80 million move to Camp Nou. In a lightning-quick operation, the Catalans have gone from talks to an agreement in the space of 24 hours.
What is great news for one England international promises to be a nightmare scenario for another, with Rashford’s hopes of a move to Camp Nou now hanging in the balance.
Barca go public on Rashford praise
Prior to Wednesday’s operation, the signs were somewhat positive that Rashford’s €30m buy-out clause would be triggered by Barcelona.
“Marcus has helped us a lot because he came on loan, it is not easy to come on loan as a player like him because he is a top player,” Deco told BBC Sport.
“He helped us a lot because he had the responsibility to replace Raphinha, it is not easy but he did very well.
“His season was very good and we are happy he won La Liga with us. He deserves [it], he works a lot and works hard to be here. We are happy with him.”
Head coach Hansi Flick had reportedly told the Man Utd product that his contribution was valued by the club, with the Englishman having impressed in a new role on the right wing in recent weeks. On top of this, Rashford had shown a willingness to alter his contract to better suit Barca.
Doubts had been planted by the decision of Robert Lewandowski to depart on a free transfer, apparently switching the Blaugrana’s focus to signing a big-name striker such as Joao Pedro or Julian Alvarez in operations likely to cost €100m or more.
But there was no hint of a deal for Gordon until lately.
Rashford to Barcelona remains possible
Gordon, of course, operates in similar areas to Rashford. He is primarily a left winger who has shown an ability to play through the middle. Can both play at the same club, bearing in mind that Raphinha will also be competing for a role on the left?
Mundo Deportivo reports that Rashford remains an option for Barcelona, but the deal has been complicated.
Despite the 28-year-old’s willingness to sign a five-year contract to help with the amortisation of his transfer fee, Barcelona do not see this as a viable route to go down. Rashford is deemed too old to be given a contract of this length.
Instead, if he is to remain in Catalunya, he will have to accept a smaller wage. And in addition to this, Barca are unwilling to meet Man Utd’s €30m buyout clause – something that the Old Trafford club have been stubbornly insisting on, aware that there is interest from other Premier League clubs.
Barcelona are therefore leaving the door open for Rashford, but very much on the terms they dictate. While the player may be willing to change his stance to bring his dream move, he is unlikely to find Man Utd have the same openness to renegotiating their position.
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