Marcus Rashford could be set for a fortuitous reunion should he complete a permanent move to Barcelona this summer. The Catalan club have announced plans to spend part of their pre-season preparations training at St. George’s Park.
Los Cules are scheduled to visit the home of the England national team during the latter stages of their pre-season programme. This could see Manchester United forward Rashford cross paths with a number of familiar faces provided he has sealed a move to Barca by that point.
Barcelona will be based at St. George’s Park for one week between July 27 and August 3. The club previously visited the same venue during their 2014 and 2016 summer schedules, having clearly been left with a favourable impression from their first visit.
In a statement published on the Barcelona website announcing the training camp, the club said: “The start of 2026/27 preseason is now mapped out for the FC Barcelona first team. Hansi Flick’s side are set to return to work on July 13 with the usual medical check-ups and physical tests.
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“The team will began training at the Ciutat Esportiva and there will be a preseason stage in England. From July 27 to August 3, the blaugranes will be at St George’s Park, one of the main centres for football in England and a regular base for the England national team. The facility was used twice before during preseason in the summers of 2014 and 2016.”
Rashford’s future hangs in the balance following an eye-catching campaign on loan at the Camp Nou. The England forward has been desperate for a permanent switch to Catalonia, where he netted 14 goals and contributed another 14 assists in 49 appearances this term.
Yet there has been no concrete sign Barca will stump up the required £26million to seal a permanent transfer. Claims have emerged the Spaniards want to negotiate Rashford’s signature for a reduced fee but United are holding their ground.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has indicated he’s satisfied with Rashford’s contributions throughout their time working together. The German has also allegedly urged Barca to finalise a deal so he can keep working with the 28-year-old.
View 2 ImagesHansi Flick has already confirmed he wants to see Rashford remain at Barca(Image: Getty)
The matter has been further muddied by Barca’s capture of Newcastle and England winger Anthony Gordon. And not simply because Gordon brings added competition for Rashford in his favoured left-wing position.
The £70m deal also demonstrates Barca’s financial standing beyond doubt. And they’ll find it difficult to persuade United they cannot complete a move for Rashford on the suggested terms if they sign Gordon for triple the sum.
Rashford has made no secret of his wish to stay at the Camp Nou on a permanent basis. He spoke openly on the subject after netting against Real Madrid in El Clasico last month, helping to seal La Liga glory for Flick’s side.
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“I don’t know. I am not a magician, but if I was, I would stay,” said Rashford at the time when pressed about whether he would like to remain at Barca beyond this season. “So we will see.”
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The forward will be occupied at World Cup 2026 in the coming weeks. Yet that may not be his sole involvement with the national side this summer, should Barcelona act quickly enough to tie down his signature over the next six weeks or so.
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