Manchester United may be forced to loan out Rashford again! Barcelona signs Gordon for €80 million, leaving Rashford in a dilemma

Barcelona has agreed terms with Newcastle United for Anthony Gordon's €80 million transfer. Following a day of talks, Gordon is close to finalizing the move and will soon undergo a medical. This development further complicates Rashford's hopes for a permanent switch.

Beyond the high transfer fee, Gordon will earn £300,000 per week, twice his Newcastle salary. As a result, Barcelona is even less likely to activate the €30 million buyout option to keep Rashford at Camp Nou. The La Liga champions have taken a very different approach in negotiations with Newcastle compared to their dealings with Manchester United.

Gordon's transfer fee consists of €70 million guaranteed, €10 million in add-ons, and other clauses. Under the loan agreement, Barcelona could buy Rashford for just €30 million, plus €5 million in variables — €40 million cheaper than Gordon's price.

Yet Barcelona prefers to pay more for Gordon rather than trigger Rashford's buyout, because financial rules aren't based solely on total cost. Gordon, at 25, can sign a five-year contract, with an annual amortized value of €14 million. Rashford will turn 29 by the end of the year, and Barcelona only wants to offer a three-year deal, making the annual amortized cost €10 million — not much less than Gordon's.

Moreover, Gordon's age ensures better resale value in the future, while Rashford, approaching 30 as a pacey winger, carries a risk of a sudden decline in form. This is another reason Gordon is held in higher regard.

Ironically, Gordon, who also plays left wing, is Rashford's competitor for the England national team and could push him to the bench. Now he threatens to destroy Rashford's Barcelona dream. However, sources say Barcelona manager Hansi Flick is interested in signing both England internationals this summer.

Reports indicate Rashford has already agreed to a 40% pay cut to stay at Barcelona. But Manchester United's stance is crucial. Barcelona wants to extend the loan for another year before deciding on a permanent move, while United prefers to sell him at the price agreed upon last summer.

After Barcelona signs Gordon, United will have to reconsider their position, potentially lowering the price or seeking other buyers for Rashford. Gordon's arrival will help Barcelona justify that they no longer urgently need reinforcements on the left wing. Despite Rashford's 14 goals and 14 assists, he hasn't secured a starting spot in Barcelona's lineup by the end of the season.

This also leaves Rashford in an awkward predicament, as he originally intended to stay at Camp Nou this summer. His contract with United runs until 2028, but the door to returning to Old Trafford has been closed. If he can't go to Barcelona, United will look to negotiate with other clubs and may have to accept another loan move.

The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell said: "Gordon's transfer is a major development with significant implications for Rashford, who has enjoyed his time at Camp Nou. Barcelona's €30 million buyout option expires on June 15. It's hard to see Rashford returning to United. With Champions League qualification, his full wages (£325,000 per week) have been restored, and United will hold further exit talks. There are clubs in England interested in Rashford."

The Athletic reports that sources close to Rashford insist Barcelona has not communicated any decision to them, and they still believe a stay at the club next season remains possible, even with Gordon joining.

Barcelona's senior management acknowledge that with Gordon's arrival, Rashford's chances of staying have become "more complicated."