Barcelona
Missed Opportunity and Cooling Interest: Marcus Rashford’s Barcelona Loan Under Review
Early form faded; Barcelona unlikely to trigger €30m buy option after missed moments. transfer path.
Reports suggest Marcus Rashford passed up a decisive opportunity to make an impact against Atlético Madrid in the Champions League quarterfinals, a moment that has shaped how Barcelona view his loan spell. After a bright start in Spain — seven La Liga assists in his first 12 appearances and Champions League braces against Newcastle United and Olympiacos early in the campaign — Rashford’s output has diminished.
Across La Liga and the Champions League he has started only 20 of his 37 appearances, underlining his role largely as a backup. His goals in April’s back-to-back La Liga matches against Atlético and Espanyol were his first in the competition since the end of January. He also failed to register a goal or assist in three Champions League knockout appearances against Newcastle and Atlético.
The Athletic reports that Rashford did not take the opportunity presented while Raphinha was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Hansi Flick set out the chance in early April: “It’s a good chance now for him to show again, but we have other options [to replace Raphinha, too].” After a disappointing first-leg showing against Atlético, Flick started Gavi on the left in the second leg; Rashford came off the bench and was unable to alter the outcome as Barcelona were eliminated.
Barcelona’s interest in a permanent transfer has cooled. There is no intention to trigger the existing $35.3 million (€30 million, £26.1 million) option to buy. While personal terms are not thought to be an issue, the club are “considering other options” for forward recruitment, and Manchester United are not expected to renegotiate the terms to make the deal more attractive to the Catalans.
If Rashford returns to Manchester United at the end of the loan, Barcelona would need to recruit another forward. At present he provides primary cover behind Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha; the only other natural frontline player in the squad is 20-year-old Roony Bardghji. The Athletic names alternatives including Julián Alvarez, Harry Kane, Victor Osimhen, Omar Marmoush and Víctor Muñoz as potential targets for different forward roles.
Rashford has embraced life at Barcelona, so a departure would be a wrench. His contract at Manchester United, signed in 2023, still has two years remaining, and a return and reintegration at Old Trafford is possible. At his best he has been a 30-goal-a-season player, the only United forward since Robin van Persie in 2012–13 to reach that mark, doing so in 2022–23. His difficulties at United began early into Ruben Amorim’s time as manager, prompting an initial loan at Aston Villa before this season at Barcelona. Back in Manchester, circumstances have changed with Amorim gone and the team more consistent and on the up.
Barcelona
Ten Barcelona transfer prospects to follow at the 2026 World Cup
Ten players Barcelona will track at the 2026 World Cup as the club looks to strengthen the squad…
Barcelona will have 15 players at the World Cup this summer, but the club’s recruitment team will also be watching a group of possible additions competing in Qatar. The club has already completed the signing of Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United and remains intent on strengthening defence, midfield and the forward line.
João Cancelo spent the second half of last season on loan at Barcelona from Al Hilal and is determined to make the move permanent. The versatile fullback will represent Portugal this summer and will be eager to impress to enhance his value in negotiations.
Marc Cucurella appears increasingly likely to leave Chelsea and has emerged as a contender for Spain’s left back position. Alejandro Grimaldo, Spain’s understudy in that role, is thought to be interested in a return to La Liga from Bayer Leverkusen, and Barcelona have been linked with him.
Two central defenders under observation will wear the Croatia shirt. Joško Gvardiol has been linked with a Spanish move this summer, with Real Madrid leading the race if he does not sign a new contract at Manchester City. Barcelona remain interested if the finances are right. Luka Vušković could be an alternative after a strong loan at Hamburg, and his parent club Tottenham Hotspur might be forced to sell following a difficult season.
Midfield interest centres on Bernardo Silva, available on a free transfer after his exit from Manchester City. Barcelona are described as being in the driver’s seat for any potential deal, which would likely be discussed after Portugal’s World Cup campaign.
On the wings, Barcelona have already added Gordon but remain linked with Bradley Barcola of Paris Saint-Germain, despite his second successive Champions League win with the French club. Up front, Marcus Rashford, who spent last season on loan from Manchester United, remains of interest. Barcelona will not trigger the permanent buy option but could open negotiations with Manchester United at a lower price; Rashford would also need to reduce his wages.
Julián Alvarez is described as the club’s priority target this summer, though talks with Atlético Madrid are expected to be awkward and expensive. Real Madrid saw their $173 million bid for the Argentina international rejected. For now, Alvarez will focus on securing a second World Cup title.
Group stage matches for each player are listed in the tournament schedules and will form key opportunities for Barcelona to assess potential signings.
Arsenal
Forwards to Watch at the 2026 World Cup
Ten forwards to watch at the 2026 World Cup, judged on recent form, fitness and club contributions..
The 2026 World Cup will be defined in large part by attacking players who arrive with clear form lines and specific questions to answer. Several forwards in North America carry momentum from strong club seasons, while others bring a mix of fitness concerns and huge potential.
Bukayo Saka notched a remarkable campaign as Arsenal claimed Premier League glory, but he enters the tournament in mediocre form. The Englishman produced 18 goal involvements in 2025–26 as injuries robbed him of momentum at key junctures. The 24-year-old has blistering speed, gazelle-like agility and a wondrous left boot. If England is going to win its first World Cup for 60 years, Saka must deliver on the right wing. Three goals and an assist in Qatar four years ago is an encouraging sign.
Luis Díaz has been integral to Colombia’s hopes. The Bayern Munich winger enjoyed a remarkable debut campaign in Bavaria that ended with a domestic treble, contributing 26 goals and 19 assists across all competitions. The tenacious 29-year-old missed the last World Cup through injury, so this will be his first tournament and he will be determined to lead his nation.
Raphinha’s 2024–25 breakthrough into Ballon d’Or contention gave way to a quieter 2025–26 at Barcelona because of fitness issues. Still, 28 goal involvements in 33 matches is an impressive return. The 29-year-old returned from injury in May and, after six weeks of action, could be a useful and versatile option for Brazil as Carlo Ancelotti’s side pursue a sixth title.
Ousmane Dembélé remains one of the most flexible forwards available. He beat Raphinha to the 2025 Ballon d’Or and, despite a slight dip in output, operated effectively as a false nine during a Champions League-winning campaign with Paris Saint-Germain. Dembélé is likely to resume a right-wing role for France, where his two-footedness and clean ball striking will be valued.
Vinicius Junior emerged with credit from a difficult season for Real Madrid, producing 21 goal involvements in 2026 and two goals in pre-tournament friendlies for Brazil. Michael Olise, a Bayern Munich standout, arrived in form after a pre-tournament hat-trick against Northern Ireland and a season of 25 goals and 28 assists in Germany.
Erling Haaland carried Norway back to the World Cup with 16 goals in eight qualifying matches. The Manchester City striker’s ruthless efficiency will determine how far Norway go. Kylian Mbappé, needing four goals to match Miroslav Klose’s record, arrives having produced consecutive 43-goal campaigns for Real Madrid and will remain France’s primary attacking threat, supported by Dembélé and Olise.
Barcelona
Gordon says Rashford gave city and team advice as Barça weigh permanent deal
Anthony Gordon says Marcus Rashford gave city and team tips as Barcelona weigh a permanent move. fee
Anthony Gordon says Marcus Rashford has been advising him about life in Barcelona after Gordon completed his move to the club.
The arrival of Gordon has intensified questions over Rashford’s future at Camp Nou following a successful loan spell that produced 14 goals and 14 assists across all competitions. The two players operate in similar positions for club and country, and some suggested their encounters with England this summer could be awkward. Gordon rejected that idea.
“He was just telling me how good the lads are there, the team spirit that they have, which I heard already from the people in Barça ,” Gordon told talkSPORT . “So I’m really looking forward to joining up with them. He was also telling me about the city, places to live.
“He’s a lovely guy, very caring. So he was just giving me a bit of information.”
Reports from Barcelona indicate there remains interest in keeping Rashford, who has made it abundantly clear he is focused solely on extending his stay with the La Liga champions. Finance is central to the discussions. Barcelona are believed to be reluctant to trigger the purchase clause, which they have until June 15 to activate. If they miss that deadline, Rashford will return to United.
Barcelona have been attempting to negotiate a fee well below the $35 million clause, with some reports suggesting offers as low as half that figure as they expect United to accept a reduced sum. United are understood to want Rashford off the wage bill, but the club has insisted it will not negotiate over a deal widely viewed as a bargain, especially when Gordon could command a fee more than twice as high.
There have been suggestions that United might show some flexibility, with the option of a second loan still under consideration if the financial terms meet both clubs’ requirements.
