Barcelona Make ‘Final Decision’ On Rashford

Marcus Rashford's future in Spain appears all but over after the Catalan side reportedly refused to exercise the option to buy.

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Rashford looked set to stay in Spain beyond his loan deal following a stellar individual season that yielded 28 goal contributions - 14 goals and 14 assists - in 49 games, helping the Blaugrana to the LALIGA and Spanish Super Cup titles.

The two clubs agreed to a loan deal with an option to buy valued at €30 million (R573 million) deal but instead, the Catalan side opted to sign Rashford's England teammate Anthony Gordon, for a reported fee of €70 million (R1.3 billion).

The 28-year-old looks set to return to Manchester United ahead of the 2026/27 season after Barcelona opted not to make his loan deal permanent.

🚨 BREAKING: Barcelona will NOT pay €30m buy option clause for Marcus Rashford, expiring in 5 days.

Rashford formally set to return to Man United but Barça remain open to new solutions, like another loan deal. ❗️

Barça are open to discuss again if #MUFC open doors. 🔵🔴 pic.twitter.com/XiF95KGiLG

According to Marca, Barcelona needed to activate the buy option by 15 June, and with just five days to go until the deadline, the club opted not to follow through on the decision.

There were several factors in the club's decision. Gordon's work rate reportedly impressed head coach Hansi Flick, while Rashford's age (he turns 29 in October) was also a factor.

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Rashford's financial demands were also taken into consideration, as he came with a high salary, despite a 40% reduction. He was still taking home a €10 million annual amortisation, compared to Gordon, who has a €14 million amortisation but with a considerably lower salary.