Barcelona exit bombshell could trigger Marcus Rashford transfer domino effect

Marcus Rashford could yet sign for Barcelona this summer, as one of the La Liga side’s key players is being linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.

Rashford is currently in the US at the World Cup, preparing for England’s second Group L match against Ghana on June 23, but this has not stopped rumours surrounding the forward’s future at club level.

Despite enjoying a successful season-long loan spell at Barca during the 2025/26 campaign, in which he registered 14 goals and 14 assists in 49 appearances and helped La Blaugrana win the Spanish title, the Catalans decided against triggering the reported £26 million buy option in his contract.

Instead, Hansi Flick welcomed Rashford’s England team-mate Anthony Gordon, who signed from Newcastle for £70 million and penned a five-year deal at Camp Nou.

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Given that both players are left-sided, this appeared to all but end Rashford’s hopes of extending his stay in northern Spain, as vice-captain Raphinha also plays on the left wing and has been one of Barca’s key players in recent years.

However, Rashford’s hopes of securing a permanent move may have been boosted, with the Brazilian now being linked with a shock switch to Saudi Arabia.

Barcelona set to perform Rashford U-turn

As reported by Spanish football expert Terry Gibson, Raphinha’s injury in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti on June 20 could tempt the Catalans to enter the transfer market this summer.

Raphinha sustained a hamstring injury and is currently undergoing treatment, meaning his participation in the World Cup remains uncertain.

The 29-year-old has produced 75 goals and 59 assists in 177 appearances for Barca since arriving from Leeds United in 2022.

Despite Raphinha being one of Barca’s key players, Gibson believes the winger “might be on his way” this summer, speaking on talkSPORT’s Weekend Sports Breakfast, the journalist offered his thoughts on the current situation.

“I think he’ll stay [at Barcelona],” Gibson said of Rashford.

“They’re trying to do a deal on the cheap to get him on loan again.

“I’m surprised at the Anthony Gordon signing, but I’m beginning to think now that Raphinha might be on his way.

“He’s had a few seasons at Barcelona where he struggled, and then he had one spectacular season.

“Last season wasn’t his best due to injury. He kept picking up knocks, suffering three or four muscle injuries, and he’s now injured again at the World Cup with Brazil.

“And at the age of 29, I think there’s a big offer on the table from Saudi Arabia, which might entice both the player and Barcelona.

“So I think they might actually recoup the money they paid for Anthony Gordon by selling Raphinha.

“And I think that’s the way forward, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Anthony Gordon and Rashford at Barcelona next season.”

Rashford is currently contracted to parent club Manchester United until 2028.