Barcelona has indicated they may return Rashford next summer, possibly to pressure Manchester United into extending his loan! Paris Saint-Germain is also linked with the rumors.

Rashford, loaned from Manchester United to Barcelona, has recently fulfilled his dream of playing at Camp Nou. However, his future remains uncertain as rumors surfaced this week suggesting he might be "returned" next summer, forced to go back to Old Trafford because Barcelona may not activate the €30 million buyout clause.

According to "Jingji Net," the most likely outcome is that Rashford will be sent back to Manchester United after his loan ends, with Barcelona possibly looking to sign another replacement. If so, this would be the second time the 28-year-old English winger is loaned out and then returned, as Aston Villa also declined to pay the £40 million buyout last season.

Jingji Net points out that Barcelona’s main reason for not buying Rashford is their financial situation and the resources needed to sign him permanently. The club might prefer to spend money on bringing in Atlético Madrid’s "Little Spider" Alvarez to replace veteran Lewandowski. Therefore, although Rashford accepted a pay cut to join on loan, signing him for €30 million plus wages would still be a significant expense.

Rashford has appeared 18 times for Barcelona, scoring 6 goals and providing 8 assists, showing good form. However, coach Flick views him only as a substitute, so Barcelona may prioritize other options or rely on La Masia youth players rather than spending heavily to buy Rashford outright.

Besides his high salary, Rashford’s poor adaptation to Flick’s high-pressing tactics also hinders his chances of staying permanently at Barcelona. Compared to rival Rafinha, the Manchester United star’s defensive awareness is quite weak, something that was evident during his time at Old Trafford.

Catalan football journalist Alfredo Martinez reported: "Some support keeping him, others oppose it. Those against his retention believe Rashford dislikes high pressing and his wages are too high. Barcelona could find a more cost-effective left winger to rotate with Rafinha."

Barcelona has recently been linked with Chelsea’s Pedro Neto and Leipzig’s young talent Antonio Nusa, but Italian transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stresses that Barcelona has yet to make any major decisions and is still evaluating options, with final choices expected after the season ends.

Of course, if Barcelona ultimately returns Rashford to Manchester United, it wouldn’t be surprising. Barcelona rarely opts to buy out Premier League loanees, even when they perform well. However, if Rashford continues to impress, the situation might change.

Barcelona might also use the threat of returning Rashford as leverage to force Manchester United into lowering the price or even trying to extend the loan, continuing to "get him for free." This season, Barcelona borrowed Rashford without a fee, only covering his wages.

Spanish media quickly noticed Rashford’s popularity in English football and reported as early as September that Barcelona planned to return the Manchester United star. But the UK’s Daily Mirror insists Barcelona president Laporta is satisfied with the deal, considering it a good bargain.

Rashford and his agent brother Dwayne Maynard have also been active, using their usual tactics: contacting Paris Saint-Germain! However, transfer expert Pete O’Rourke from "Football Insider" believes Rashford staying at Barcelona could be a win-win-win outcome.

“This would be a positive result for all parties involved, including Rashford himself, Barcelona, and Manchester United,” he said. “Despite rumors that other clubs, like Paris Saint-Germain, are interested in Rashford, I believe Barcelona remains in the strongest position to finalize the deal, especially since Rashford himself is eager to make a permanent move.”