Marcus Rashford’s dream of remaining at Barcelona is over, according to the Spanish press.
The England international, who is with the Three Lions squad preparing for the start of their World Cup campagin on June 17, will return to Manchester United after the tournament and has the option of knuckling down at Old Trafford under Michael Carrick or seeking another move.
Rashford joined Barca on a season-long loan last summer with the Liga club having the option to make it a permanent deal for a fee of €30million – a clause that remains valid until June 15. He impressed with 14 goals and 11 assists in 49 games in all competitions, helping Hansi Flick’s side retain the league title.
But Barca’s €70m move for his international team-mate Anthony Gordon, who plays in the same left-wing/centre-forward position, confirmed the Blaugrana were looking at alternatives and, although a deal for Rashford remained open at the time, Marca claims the door is now closed for the 28-year-old.
United graduate Rashford impressed at Barcelona
The news will come as a bitter blow for the United academy graduate, who had been hoping to extend his stay in Spain.
The preference for Gordon, who was largely underwhelming in a season of struggle for Newcastle last season, comes as a surprise but Marca suggest the player’s greater work-rate and defensive diligence is the reason for Flick’s thinking.
Gordon is also younger at 25 and commands a lower salary.
What now for Marcus Rashford?
It leaves Rashford in a difficult situation as it appears his career at United is over after a difficult relationship with Carrick’s predecessor Ruben Amorim while there are few clubs that could match his wages.
Bayern Munich, who were also linked with Gordon, have been loosely mentioned as have Aston Villa, for whom Rashford played on loan before moving to Barcelona.
Barca meanwhile continue to prioritise other forward targets, although they could be priced out of a move for Julian Alvarez. Real Madrid saw a €150m bid for the Argentina striker dismissed last night with Atletico Madrid responding with a series of jibes at their neighbours.
