Barcelona in contact with Manchester United forward’s camp over potential return – report | OneFootball

When Barcelona announced the signing of Anthony Gordon earlier in the summer, it seemed like the end of the road for Marcus Rashford.

The English international had an excellent loan spell in Catalonia, but Barcelona opted not to trigger his permanent purchase clause and instead went for a longer-term option in Gordon.

Rashford eventually returned to Old Trafford, but his future is far from certain and there is a possibility the player could leave Manchester United for good this summer.

Barcelona open to a return

According to TEAMtalk, Barcelona remain in contact with Rashford’s representatives as they continue to assess their attacking options and probe what could still be a dramatic return to the Camp Nou.

Barcelona had always preferred the idea of taking Rashford back on loan, given he still has two years left on his United contract.

Rashford’s future remains uncertain. (Photo by Kyle Rivas/Getty Images)

However, the Premier League club were adamant they would only consider a permanent departure, which is why the Catalans declined their €30 million option despite the forward registering 28 goal contributions across all competitions last season.

As a result, Rashford returned to Old Trafford as United’s highest-paid player, and Michael Carrick has reintegrated him into the first-team squad.

Even so, a departure before the window closes cannot be ruled out, with Barcelona firmly in the picture.

Barcelona’s need has grown

Since the end of last season, Barcelona’s need for attacking reinforcements has arguably increased.

Aside from Rashford returning to England, both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres have departed, while Roony Bardghji has been ruled out for the season through injury.

Although Gordon and Adeyemi have arrived, Barcelona’s recruitment work in attack is not considered finished.

Rashford could still return to Barcelona. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Rashford himself would readily return to Catalonia, though whether United would accept another loan, even one with an obligation to buy, remains uncertain.

Tied to the Alvarez pursuit

Rashford’s situation is closely linked to Barcelona’s chase for Julian Alvarez.

The Catalans continue to work on a deal for the Argentine, but there are few signs of Atletico Madrid softening their firm stance.

That stalemate is limiting Barcelona’s options, and should they fail to land Alvarez, Rashford could quickly become a relevant alternative once again.

For now, the forward remains a United player, but with internal debate at Old Trafford over his long-term future, Barcelona have not closed the door on a stunning reunion.