Marcus Rashford appears to be facing the prospect of returning to Manchester United this summer after a season on loan at Barcelona.
Marcus Rashford left Manchester United in the summer of 2025 after being named in Rúben Amorim's "Bomb Squad" alongside Antony, Alejandro Garnacho, Tyrell Malacia and Jadon Sancho.
The England international has had an impressive time at Barcelona, with 13 goals and 10 assists in 45 appearances for Hansi Flick's side. But they may not pay the £26 million buy option to keep Rashford in Catalonia.
Barcelona are reportedly focusing on signing a new centre-forward, as a Robert Lewandoski replacement, with Julian Alvarez among the options. This leaves Rashford down the priority list, and with so many financial issues in recent years, Barcelona may be forced to steer clear.
It seems like Rashford could return to United and play a role in the squad next season, despite losing his No.10 shirt to Matheus Cunha, but interest has remained from other clubs.
Newcastle United "keen" on Rashford
Rashford regained his stock in the Premier League with his six-month loan at Aston Villa in 2024/25. He registered four goals and five assists in 17 games for Unai Emery's team.
Newcastle United are said to be "keen" on Rashford, as per Football Insider, having felt the wrath of the former United winger in the Champions League earlier this season. Many people believe Rashford's best game in a Barcelona shirt to be the league-stage match against Newcastle United, in which he scored a brace to win the game 2-1.
Eddie Howe's side are 14th in the Premier League and will be looking to fight for Europe next season after a difficult campaign. Signing Rashford would be a step in the right direction, but it may not be as easy as first thought.
"I don’t see that happening at all really," said transfer journalist Pete O'Rourke. "It would be a very ambitious move from Newcastle if they were to try sign Marcus Rashford.
"Newcastle would really struggle to be able to pay the wages, so again that’s another stumbling block for any potential deal for them.
"I don’t see Newcastle being in for Rashford because of the cost of any potential deal as well. I don’t think Rashford’s got any interest in moving to Newcastle either."
Where could Rashford go?
Assuming Barcelona do not activate their £26 million buy option, Rashford is unlikely to be short of suitors. He has had a difficult time in recent years, but his form in Spain has proved he can still be a very important player.
The World Cup could complicate things as Rashford is likely to be selected for Thomas Tuchel's England squad. Tuchel is known to be a fan of the left-winger, and has made him a regular in the national side.
Before the tournament, Rashford will be focusing on finishing the season with Barcelona, while afterwards, he will have just one month between the final and the beginning of the Premier League season.
Rashford could return to Old Trafford for pre-season, possibly even featuring for the new head coach, before a transfer is agreed.
And if it is going to be that long before a deal comes close to any negotiations, it may be Rashford's best choice to stay at United.