Barcelona
Barcelona Will Wait Before Committing to a Permanent Rashford Transfer
Barcelona pleased with Marcus Rashford’s start but will wait before deciding on a permanent deal…
Barcelona have been encouraged by Marcus Rashford’s early displays, with his form said to have “delighted” the club, but any permanent move will not be rushed. The forward is on loan from Manchester United with an option to buy set at £26.2 million (€30 million, $35.2 million), yet Barcelona are not obliged to trigger that clause.
As Sky Sports News outline, Barcelona can reopen negotiations with United at the end of the season if they choose to pursue a permanent deal. There is not thought to be a gap in valuation between the two clubs, which should allow for a straightforward discussion should Barcelona decide to engage.
Despite widespread approval inside the club — teammates, staff and supporters have been impressed with his application — Barcelona’s precarious finances remain a decisive restraint. The club want a larger sample size of Rashford’s performances before making a long-term commitment.
Another factor is the end-of-season situation surrounding Robert Lewandowski’s contract, which expires at the end of the season. Any available transfer funds could be prioritised toward signing a high-quality No. 9. Rashford can operate centrally and has done so at times, but it is generally accepted his best position is on the left wing, cutting inside onto his stronger right foot as he did at St James’ Park.
Wages complicate a permanent switch. Barcelona agreed to cover his United salary in its entirety while he is on loan, but paying £325,000-per-week for a player who would not be guaranteed to start every match is hard to justify when ‘levers’ were pulled to make the temporary move possible. Committing to that level of pay could also make contract renewals and further first-team signings more difficult for the club.
Rashford is reported to be keen on staying at Barcelona long term, but he has areas to address. He was dropped from Hansi Flick’s starting lineup on Sunday because of a disciplinary breach related to showing up late for a meeting, and he must still cement a regular place in Flick’s starting XI before any permanent deal becomes likely.
Barcelona
Barcelona explain why Gordon was preferred over Rashford
Barcelona preferred Anthony Gordon to Marcus Rashford, with Deco citing fit, intensity and Flick’s plan.
Barcelona sporting director Deco has given a clear explanation for why the club moved for Anthony Gordon rather than making Marcus Rashford’s loan permanent.
Barcelona had the chance to sign Rashford for €35 million ($40 million) at the end of a season-long loan, but decided against it and instead pursued Gordon, who cost around €80 million ($93 million) including add-ons. The choice has already looked justified on the pitch, with Gordon producing four assists in four games as Barcelona have opened the 2026/27 season unbeaten.
Deco said the club believed Gordon was a better match for Hansi Flick’s style and specifically wanted more intensity in the attacking line. He was frank about the difference between the two wide players and insisted the decision followed a clear internal plan.
“We are extremely grateful to Rashford,” Deco told Catalan radio station RAC1 , discussing the differences between the two wide forwards.
“He contributed a lot last season, but our idea of play is much more linked to Anthony’s. His style fits with what the coach is looking for.
“In the case of Gordon, we saw that he was one of the figures we needed.
“When Raphinha wasn’t on the pitch, the team lost energy and with him we could solve it. The big advantage we had is that the player wanted to come and he was able to put on pressure [at Newcastle to be allowed to leave].”
He added: “We had a clear idea what we’re looking for. We needed more intensity. We analyzed a lot of wingers. Signing someone from the Premier League is almost impossible, but [Flick] was clear with what he wanted and we worked on a deal from there.”
The comments could be seen as a setback for Rashford, who has previously been criticised for his work rate in attack. After Barcelona chose not to keep him, his options narrowed, despite reported interest during the window, including approaches to United and from Turkish Süper Lig side Fenerbahçe.
Rashford has since returned to the United first team this season and has made two starts under Michael Carrick. Carrick praised him in August after the 5-2 win over Ipswich, saying: “He’s adding to the group for us; it’s pretty obvious,” United manager Carrick said of Rashford in August, following the 5–2 victory over Ipswich .
“I’ve known him for a while. He wasn’t here when I came back, and now he is. I think he’s making the most of that for us and for him as well, to have the opportunity to be here. He’s one of our own. He’s living his dream, playing here and trying to be successful and win.
Arsenal
Twenty players making the strongest early statements in 2026/27
A selection of players have already shaped the opening weeks of 2026/27 with goals, assists and influence.
The 2026/27 season has barely gathered pace, yet several players have already forced themselves into the conversation with decisive contributions and sustained influence. While many expected the established stars to hit form quickly, a number of unexpected names have also moved sharply into view.
Arsenal’s perfect start has been built around the authority of Martin Ødegaard, who has answered last season’s criticism with goals and leadership. He began with strikes against Manchester City in the Community Shield and Coventry City in the Premier League, before adding winning goals against Chelsea and Napoli.
Chelsea’s attack has also clicked early, with Morgan Rogers joining João Pedro and Cole Palmer in a fluid front line that has already produced 15 goal involvements across all competitions. The understanding between the three is growing match by match.
Barcelona have found a solution to the loss of Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres, with Raphinha operating as a false nine and Lamine Yamal continuing to thrive from the right. Raphinha scored twice and assisted once against Elche, while Yamal has delivered seven goal involvements in his last three games.
Real Madrid have been positive in José Mourinho’s second spell despite the defeat to Real Betis, with Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham both prominent. Mbappé has already produced a hat-trick and further goals against Málaga and Inter Milan, while Bellingham is being used further forward and has four La Liga goal involvements.
Liverpool’s defending remains a concern under Andoni Iraola, but Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak have been dangerous in attack. Gakpo has a goal and three assists, while Isak has added a tap-in and a brace, both of his goals at Portman Road coming from Gakpo’s service.
Manchester City have won all four competitive matches under Enzo Maresca, helped by Erling Haaland’s five goals in his last three outings and four goal contributions from Rayan Cherki.
Hull City’s seven-point start, built on three clean sheets, has been inspired by Konstantinos Tzolakis, while Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Mariano Díaz, Serhou Guirassy, Donyell Malen, Paulo Dybala and Ferran Torres have all made similarly striking starts elsewhere.
Al Hilal
Gabriel Jesus details Arsenal exit after being left to train away from the squad
Jesus says he trained alone before leaving Arsenal for Barcelona in a quick late-summer move.
Gabriel Jesus has described the end of his time at Arsenal as abrupt and uncomfortable, saying he was eventually made to train away from the main group before completing his move to Barcelona in the late summer window.
The Brazilian had already expected his role to shrink after Arsenal’s Premier League title-winning season, with Kai Havertz and Viktor Gyökeres favoured in the No. 9 position. Even so, the manner of his departure clearly caught him off guard.
“So, the truth is, I was training, I did all the pre-season with Arsenal as normal Obviously, I knew already that probably I would not play there or get many opportunities, but nobody told me nothing,” Jesus told SportyTV.
He added: “Well, I am a professional. Obviously, I was training with the group. Then, from nothing, they put me to train away from the group.
“Well, I was training, I was doing my maximum to be ready if I have a chance to play at a high level again. Then, obviously, in the last week, it was very quick.
“The work with Deco, the president of the club, and my agent was amazing. In one day, it was sure that I would have the opportunity to come [to Barcelona]. I said yes, straight away, no matter what, and I am so happy to be here.”
Jesus has already opened his account for Barcelona, scoring in Wednesday’s 5–1 Champions League win over Feyenoord.
He was not the only major name from Arsenal’s title-winning squad to depart in the summer. Leandro Trossard was moved on to Beşiktaş despite his importance last season, while Gabriel Martinelli was sold to Al Hilal for £60 million ($81.5 million).
Arsenal have used those sales to strengthen elsewhere, bringing in Bruno Guimarães and Ezri Konsa for midfield and defence, while also moving for Christos Tzolis as a replacement for Trossard and Martinelli.
