Barcelona have not yet closed the door on a permanent deal for Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford, with the Catalan giants maintaining contact with the player's representatives as the summer transfer window progresses.

According to English outlet TeamTalk, the La Liga side remain in ongoing dialogue with Rashford's camp as they continue to assess their attacking options — a situation that could yet culminate in a dramatic return to the Camp Nou for the 28-year-old.

Rashford spent the entirety of the 2025/26 season on loan at Barcelona from Manchester United, where he enjoyed a highly productive stint in Spanish football. The England international racked up an impressive 28 direct goal contributions across all competitions, cementing himself as a key figure in Hansi Flick's attacking setup.

Despite those exploits, Barcelona's hierarchy opted against activating the purchase clause included in the loan agreement, instead directing their recruitment efforts towards bringing in both Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi to bolster the forward line.

Julián Álvarez Pursuit Hits Roadblock

However, the landscape appears to be shifting. Barcelona's pursuit of Atlético Madrid standout Julián Álvarez has encountered ongoing frustration, with the Rojiblancos reportedly reluctant to part with their star forward. This stumbling block has forced sporting director Deco and his team to explore alternative avenues — and Rashford could be the beneficiary.

As per TeamTalk: 'Barcelona remain in contact with Marcus Rashford's representatives as the Catalan giants continue to assess their attacking options and probe what could still result in a dramatic return from Manchester United.'

Versatility Key After Departures

The departures of both Robert Lewandowski and Ferran Torres this summer have left a notable void in Barcelona's attacking ranks. The Blaugrana hierarchy are said to value Rashford's versatility — his ability to operate across multiple positions in the final third making him an attractive proposition as they look to rebuild their forward line.

While a deal is far from straightforward, with Manchester United's valuation and Rashford's own preferences yet to be fully aligned, the door remains ajar for what would be one of the window's more unexpected twists. With weeks remaining before the transfer deadline, Barcelona could yet spring a surprise by bringing the England international back to Catalonia on a permanent basis.