Marcus Rashford has made it clear he will not discuss his club future until England’s World Cup campaign is over, insisting he has “no energy” for anything else while fighting for his country. Speaking before the round-of-16 clash against Mexico, the 28-year-old said: “I was very clear with everyone involved before the World Cup. I wanted it done before, and if not, then I won’t deal with it until after that. I want to fully be present in this moment. At the same time we’re fighting for something. I don’t have energy to be putting into other things.”
Rashford’s stance comes after Barcelona chose not to take up the £26m option to sign him permanently following a successful loan spell. He contributed 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances for the Catalans, playing a huge role in their La Liga triumph. Instead, Barcelona bought his England teammate Anthony Gordon for £69.3m. Rashford remains a Manchester United player, with a contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2028, but United are understood to be unwilling to loan him again and prefer a full sale.
“Marcus Rashford delays Man Utd decision until after World Cup, as Barcelona snubs permanent deal.”
A permanent move to Barcelona is still believed to be Rashford’s preferred option, and the Catalans have not given up hope of signing him, though they are thought to want another loan – a scenario United reject. Meanwhile, the 28-year-old has also been linked with Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea. He is expected to report for United pre-season three weeks after England’s World Cup ends. United are making contingency plans in case Rashford stays, but remain interested in signing a new left winger, with £50m-rated West Ham star Crysencio Summerville their top target.
In the women’s game, the Guardian has published its comprehensive summer 2026 transfer window guide, covering every deal from the world’s top six leagues: the NWSL, WSL, Liga F, Frauen-Bundesliga, Première Ligue and Serie A Femminile, complete with a club-by-club breakdown.