Report – 28-year-old Man United forward still prioritises move to Barcelona but keeping options open | OneFootball

Barcelona chose not to trigger the €30 million clause to make Marcus Rashford’s loan move permanent, and the option expired a couple of days ago.

Rashford had a great impact during his spell at the club, contributing to Hansi Flick’s team in terms of goals and assists and also enjoying a career revival of sorts.

His plan has not changed completely, but it is starting to become more realistic. The English forward still has Barça as his preferred destination, yet he knows he may not be able to wait forever.

Indeed, according to Mundo Deportivo, Rashford remains keen on returning to Barcelona after his loan spell, but he also accepts that a convincing offer from elsewhere could force him to make a decision before the Catalan club are ready to move.

Rashford responds with England

Still waiting for Barcelona. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for Rexona)

The timing of the story is interesting because Rashford has just made an impact for England at the World Cup.

He came off the bench in the 62nd minute against Croatia and scored the final goal in a 4-2 win, showing the sharpness that made him useful for Barça last season.

If Rashford keeps raising his level with England, interest in him will naturally heat up, and Barcelona may not be the only attractive option in front of him.

The Blaugrana already let the 15 June deadline pass to trigger their purchase option worth €30 million. The club have not completely closed the door, but the situation is no longer under the same control.

Barça have other priorities first

The reason is simple: Barcelona’s attacking planning has moved in another direction. Anthony Gordon has arrived, and what the Catalans need now is a striker.

That leaves Rashford in an awkward place. Hansi Flick likes him, and his ability to play wide, attack space and finish actions still fits the squad.

For Barça, though, this is a waiting game, and a risky one at that. Rashford has already had to absorb the disappointment of Gordon’s signing and the decision not to activate his clause. If the club delay too long, they may lose a player who clearly wanted to stay.

A useful option, but not at any cost

Barcelona not ready to commit. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images for Rexona)

The 28-year-old is not just a random market name. He knows the club, has already adapted to La Liga and gives Barça a direct profile they do not always have enough of.

However, squad balance matters. Adding another high-profile attacker only makes sense if there is space, both in wages and in minutes.

The ideal scenario for Barcelona is to keep the door open without promising what they cannot deliver. This also gives them the chance to see whether Manchester United change their stance on another loan deal.

If Barcelona truly want him, they will need clarity soon. Otherwise, his World Cup could turn him towards other top European clubs, and the Catalans will be left watching.