Barcelona star tipped for surprise exit that would boost Marcus Rashford’s transfer hopes

Barcelona could ship Raphinha to Saudi Arabia to open the door to Marcus Rashford returning to the Nou Camp.

That is the view of Spanish football broadcaster Terry Gibson, who has commented on the England international’s future following his impressive loan spell in Catalonia.

Rashford won his first top-flight title during his time on loan at BarcelonaGetty

Rashford joined the Blaugrana on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United for the 2025/26 season.

He chipped in with 14 goals and as many assists in 49 matches across all competitions to help Barca retain the LaLiga title

But despite becoming fan favourite, Hansi Flick‘s side decided against activating the £26million buy option in his contract.

The decision came after Barca snapped up Rashford’s Three Lions teammate Anthony Gordon in a £70m transfer – raising question as to whether there is place in the squad for the United academy graduate.

Rashford showed his quality in England’s opening World Cup win over Croatia earlier in the week – coming off the bench to score in 4-2 win.

And even though Rashford has a £40m release clause – with two teams blocked from activating it – Barca could still be an option.

Former Tottenham forward Terry Gibson believes that Raphinha’s injury picked in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Haiti could sway his employers to dip back into the market.

Marc my words

Speaking on the Weekend Sports Breakfast about Rahsford’s future, Gibson said: “I think he’ll stay [at Barcelona].

“I think they’re trying to do a deal on the cheap to try and get him on the loan again.

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

Rashford has already declared he would be happy to continue at BarcelonaGetty England international Rashford finished the 2025/26 season as Barca’s fifth top scorer

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

“Last season wasn’t his best due to injury, kept getting injured, about three or four muscle injuries, he’s now injured again in the World Cup for Brazil.

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

“So I think that they might actually get the money that they paid on Anthony Gordon back from 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.”

Gibson added: “I would think that Anthony Gordon has got a job on his hands, if they keep Rashford, to be the first-choice player in the first game of the season.

Raphinha went off injured in Brazil’s recent win over HaitiGetty

And we’re seeing the competition for England now, which is a good thing for [Thomas] Tuchel.

“He can, pick and choose whichever one’s playing best, he’s blessed to have two really good players playing on the left wing, but the Anthony Gordon one surprised me.

“But when you look in more detail and you hear the rumours about Raphinha, then he’s picked up another injury again, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him move on from the club.”

It remains to be seen who starts for England against Ghana on Tuesday amid fears that Rashford picked up a hamstring knock.

Though he allayed fears that he could be out of the clash after returning to training on Saturday.

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