David Ornstein has confirmed that Marcus Rashford’s £40 million release clause expired on Wednesday, July 15.
As a result, any summer sale will now need to be negotiated with Manchester United, who are preparing to welcome him back to Carrington for the first time in over a year.
🚨 Marcus Rashford £40m exit clause for all bar #LFC & #MCFC ended July 15. Any #MUFC sale now must be negotiated. Returns to training after break; approaches will be considered (28yo already rejected more lucrative options), otherwise stays @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/kpDH86Xh0l
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) July 16, 2026
Marcus Rashford: The state of play
Last July, the forward made his long-awaited move to Barcelona on a season-long loan for 2025/2026.
Although Rashford wasn’t a nailed-on starter under Hansi Flick, he did return an impressive 28 goal contributions (14 goals and 14 assists) in the 49 appearances he made across all competitions.
However, his efforts were not enough for the Blaugrana to take United up on the £26m buy option they included in his loan terms.
Marcus Rashford in the league phase 😮💨#UCL pic.twitter.com/QshhNx8Fro
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) February 23, 2026
Barcelona have since facilitated permanent deals for wingers Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi, leaving no room for the United graduate to return to Camp Nou.
Marcus Rashford: "If I was a magician, I would stay at Barcelona" 🪄 pic.twitter.com/H1rtRT75HA
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) May 10, 2026
What next for Rashford?
Alas, it’s left Rashford facing a hugely uncertain future at club level.
He is tied to his boyhood club until June 2029, and while Michael Carrick is more than happy to have the attacker added to his ranks for the upcoming campaign, INEOS have been eyeing a sale in order to have his £325,000-a-week wages removed from the books.
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 426 | 138 | 79 |
Rashford’s complete record for United
That can only happen if suitors actually come in and submit offers, though, and that has yet to happen.
After arriving at England’s camp in the United States, the 28-year-old told reporters that he would not be discussing his future until after the World Cup.
Marcus Rashford said he will not think about his #mufc future while on World Cup duty with England:
“As a person, I live in the moment, 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,… pic.twitter.com/XjjOVTXvY9
— utdreport (@utdreport) July 3, 2026
The Three Lions were knocked out of the tournament by Argentina on Tuesday night, but they do have to stay in America for the third-place play-off against France tomorrow night.
Then, fans can expect developments regarding Rashford’s situation and where he’ll be plying his trade throughout 2026/2027.
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