Rashford back to Man Utd? Barcelona line up alternatives for €50m star

Marcus Rashford could be heading back to Manchester United after all in the summer, with Barcelona primed to activate ‘Plan B’ when it comes to reinforcing their attack.

Rashford joined the Catalan club in 2025 on a one-year loan, having been frozen out by then Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim.

He has proven a success at Barca, scoring 10 goals and generating another 13 assists, but while the Blaugrana have been impressed with his performances, there is no guarantee that they will pay the €30 million buyout clause in his deal, potentially meaning the player could head back to Old Trafford, where Amorim has departed.

Barca face big transfer decision

The prospect of Rashford returning to Man Utd seems to be drawing a little closer, with Barcelona now studying four alternative options, according to El Nacional.

While there is little doubt that the purchase option of €30m represents a bargain for a player with an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) a little above €50m, financial pressure remains on the Camp Nou side.

Barcelona need to make two other major signings next summer, with a world-class centre-back and a replacement for Robert Lewandowski required to join.

Barcelona’s Rashford alternatives revealed

The Catalans’ alternatives include Manchester City winger Jack Grealish, who has impressed on loan at Everton this season but finds his campaign potentially over due to injury.

Similarly, Barcelona like Lyon’s Malick Fofana, though the promising winger is out of action because of an ACL injury.

Nicolo Zaniolo, who has come back to form at Udinese after a run of serious problems, and youngster Said El Mala of Koln are also on their shopping list.

Rashford back to Man Utd?

If Barcelona were to chase these alternatives, this would leave Rashford free to move back to Man Utd, the club at which he came through the academy and has been so closely associated with.

There was a sense of unfinished business at Old Trafford when he departed last summer, so while the move to Barca has undoubtedly been critical to his career being rejuvenated, the prospect of going back to the Red Devils is likely one he would welcome.

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