Barcelona were quick to celebrate Marcus Rashford’s scintillating World Cup display for England last night – despite passing up the chance to activate his £26 million buy option.
The clause officially expired on Monday without the Blaugrana shelling out the cut-price fee, meaning they would now need to negotiate entirely new terms in order to keep hold of him.
DOWNLOAD THE OFFICIAL UTDREPORT APP FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES & BREAKING NEWS – STRAIGHT TO YOUR PHONE! ON APPLE & GOOGLE PLAY
Marcus Rashford shines in England’s World Cup opener
Controversially, Thomas Tuchel deployed Anthony Gordon, whom many believe was brought in to replace Rashford at Barça, over Manchester United’s former No.10 to start against Croatia.
The Three Lions kicked off their group-stage campaign with a triumphant 4-2 win, with Rashford netting their fourth of the night through a stellar finish.
The Three Lions have a fourth against Croatia!
Marcus Rashford finishes off a brilliant England move 👏 pic.twitter.com/8j3VcMKT1t
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) June 17, 2026
Barcelona then shared a snap of him, as well as Gordon, to their X/Twitter account at full-time.
🌎 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗨𝗣 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
👉 Gordon and Rashford featured in England's 4–2 win over Croatia, with Rashford on target.
📸 @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/Jw5OCCliRC
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) June 17, 2026
Barcelona may be rueing the fact they let Rashford’s buy option expire
It prompted quite the reaction from supporters, given the Catalan giants are parading a player that’s technically United’s, and one they couldn’t be bothered to pay up for.
On the other hand, it may suggest that Barcelona are hoping to continue with the 28-year-old beyond the summer.
They are still in contact with the Red Devils, but have been asking to take Rashford on loan for another season, which United are entirely closed off to.
INEOS want to cash in while his value is high, and it’s even been revealed this week that Rashford’s contract contains a £40m release clause for any side except arch-rivals Liverpool and Manchester City.
If no suitors meet their demands, the Carrington graduate will return to United after the World Cup to potentially revive his career with his boyhood club.
Author
