GETAFE, SPAIN - APRIL 25: Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelonareacts scoring his team's second goal during the LaLiga EA Sports match between Getafe CF and FC Barcelona at Coliseum Alfonso Perez on April 25, 2026 in Getafe, Spain. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
As long spells go, Marcus Rashford’s at Barcelona this season has been rather successful. Indeed, the 28-year-old has played over 2,000 minutes in all competitions for the Catalans, registering 12 goals and nine assists in the process. He has been a valuable member of Hansi Flick’s squad.
This summer, though, presents Rashford with a career crossroads. He is still on Manchester United’s books and will return to Old Trafford if a permanent agreement can’t be reached with Barcelona. Recent reports claim the Catalan club is reluctant to activate the €30m purchase clause in Rashford’s loan deal.
Rashford has proven a point on loan at Barcelona. He has improved his all-round game in a way that was recently noted by Flick. “It’s not just about pressing with the ball, you also have to defend, but he's doing things well and has adapted,” said the German coach who demands work ethic from his players on both sides of the ball.
Hansi Flick head coach of Barcelona gives instructions to Marcus Rashford left winger of Barcelona and England during the La Liga EA Sports match between Real Oviedo and FC Barcelona at Carlos Tartiere on September 25, 2025 in Oviedo, Spain. (Photo by Jose Breton/Pics Action/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Nonetheless, the Spanish champions might choose to funnel transfer funds towards the search for a new centre forward. The €30m it would cost to sign Rashford permanently might be better used boosting the cash available for a long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski who will move on this summer.
Manchester United has moved on without Rashford. Michael Carrick has guided the Old Trafford outfit to the verge of Champions League qualification and so it would make sense if United still wish to sell Rashford. Finding a club to stump up the money to do that, however, could be a challenge.
Tottenham Hotspur is the latest team to be linked with a summer move for Rashford. Of course, the North London outfit is currently fighting to remain in the Premier League and is two points from safety in the bottom three of the table. Rashford almost certainly wouldn’t entertain a transfer to a second-tier team.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JANUARY 14: Marcus Rashford of Manchester United scores their second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur at Old Trafford on January 14, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
If, however, Spurs remain in the Premier League, a move to North London could make sense. Roberto De Zerbi needs a new left winger and Rashford has shown at Barcelona that he can be part of a forward line expected to press from the front. It could be a good landing spot for the 28-year-old.
A good showing for England at this summer’s World Cup might increase interest in Rashford. He could be a starter for Thomas Tuchel’s team in the USA, Canada and Mexico. Just as he has proved for Barcelona this summer, Rashford could have more to offer than was previously envisaged when he appeared washed up a year ago.
This article was originally published on Forbes.com