Rashford: Another loan at Barca or return to Manchester United?

Spanish football giants Barcelona will not activate the €30 million buy option clause for England striker Marcus Rashford, it has been revealed.

Spanish media outlet Marca reports that Rashford's relationship with the La Liga champions is effectively over, with Barcelona's reported signing of fellow Englishman Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for €80 million indicating that their interest in making Rashford's move permanent has cooled.

The outlet highlights that both players operate in similar positions, while Raphinha is expected to remain the club's first-choice forward. Gordon's arrival is said to have left a bitter taste in Rashford's mouth, with Barcelona opting for the Newcastle winger instead.

The financial significance of Gordon's transfer is also a factor, despite the winger making only 26 Premier League appearances for Newcastle and scoring six goals. In comparison, Rashford enjoyed a successful La Liga-winning campaign with Barcelona, scoring eight goals and providing seven assists in 32 appearances for the Blaugrana.

"After signing Gordon, Barcelona will not proceed with the €30 million buy clause, but remain open to new solutions," football journalist Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday.

Romano added that if Manchester United are willing to consider another loan arrangement, Barcelona could explore the possibility of retaining Rashford for another season.

Rashford, who is currently in the United States with England for the FIFA World Cup, faces a difficult decision alongside his representatives, with the purchase option reportedly set to expire on Monday, just two days before England's opening Group L match against Croatia.

"The clause expires in five days and then Rashford will return to Manchester United, who will manage his future as he remains under contract," Romano added.

If a permanent deal fails to materialise, the 28-year-old will have little choice but to return to Manchester United after the World Cup, unless the club can arrange a transfer to another interested side before then.