United’s bitter rivals now looking to tempt Marcus Rashford with sensational 2026 Premier League return – report

Marcus Rashford’s brilliant form at Barcelona is not going unnoticed. The Manchester United loanee could become one of the most in-demand attackers by 2026, despite Barcelona holding an option to buy him as part of the deal agreed with INEOS. Rashford’s rift with United head coach Ruben Amorim paved the way for his exit. Aston Villa offered him an escape route, taking him on loan for the second half of the 2024-25 season. He impressed at Villa Park, registering 10 goal contributions in 17 games. However, a season-ending injury cut short his progress under Unai Emery. Rashford returned to United in the summer, but with no route back into Amorim’s squad, he and his agent secured a loan move to Barcelona. Since joining the Spanish heavyweights, he has been a revelation. In just 14 games under Hansi Flick, Rashford already boasts six goals and seven assists. Rashford to Barcelona permanent switch not so straightforward He is in the form of his life, and Barcelona can sign him for around £30 million. But there are complications surrounding a permanent deal. “After signing a lucrative new contract with Man United in the summer of 2023, the Englishman’s wages significantly exceed Barcelona’s Financial Fair Play (FFP) limits,” Caught Offside claims. “The Catalan giants are crafting a long-term deal that would involve a reduced base salary, supplemented by performance-based bonuses and image rights incentives. “If Rashford agrees to this financial compromise, a deal could be finalised as early as the January transfer window.” Yet it’s not just the salary that poses a problem. According to the outlet, “Financially, Barcelona are prepared to pay €30 million, slightly below Rashford’s €35 million release clause.” Should Barca fail to meet the forward’s release clause and cannot agree on wages, they may be left stunned. Arsenal keen on Rashford Arsenal, according to Caught Offside, are “monitoring Rashford’s situation closely,” with the North Londoners “considering potential moves should the player wish to remain in the Premier League.” But it is not just Arsenal. Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, Juventus, and Inter Milan are all keeping tabs on Rashford’s future. So, game on, Barcelona, it may all come down to how badly they want the United academy graduate who has taken Camp Nou by storm. Featured image Alex Caparros via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Daniel Onguko Dan is a writer with The Peoples Person, an avid Manchester United fan whose passion for the Red Devils evolved into writing about them. He was introduced to United back in 2008, and his love for the club has continued to grow ever since. Like every other United fan, he believes the club will soon return to its rightful place and strives to reflect that belief in his writing. While he has also written about other Premier League sides, including Arsenal for Just Arsenal and The Arsenal Analysis Blogspot, Dan lives and breathes Manchester United.