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Are Atletico Madrid a viable Plan B for Marcus Rashford this summer?

January 17, 2026
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While there might be been plenty of raised eyebrows back in July as Marcus Rashford completed a season-long loan switch to Catalonia, the England international has enjoyed a real resurge with Barcelona.

At the heart of what had become a messy divorce from boyhood club Manchester United over the summer, Rashford is relishing life under Hansi Flick and got his hands on a first piece of silverware as Barca were crowned Super Cup champions over in Saudi Arabia last weekend.

Only completing an initial season-long loan switch from Old Trafford ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, Rashford has made it no secret that his focus in on making his move to Catalonia a permanent one.

However, although both parties might be keen on agreeing a long-term permanent deal, it has been suggested that another Spanish powerhouse could be waiting in the wings to capitalise on Barcelona’s public financial restrictions.

A permeant switch to Catalonia is Barca’s key priority

While Rashford might have spent the second-half of last season on loan at Aston Villa, the England international had made it abundantly clear over the past 12 months that his main focus was on completing a blockbuster move to Catalonia.

Eventually completing a season-long loan switch from Old Trafford back in July, Man United’s academy graduate had a tremendous amount of eyeballs on him.

However, although many were curious how Rashford would work under Flick’s guidance, the 28-year-old has embarked on a sensational resurge and is certainly relishing life outside of England.

Firmly cementing his spot as a smash hit in Catalonia, Rashford has registered 15 direct goal contributions across all competitions this season and has reestablished himself in Thomas Tuchel’s plans.

Making it clear that he is desperate to earn a spot in Tuchel’s squad for this summer’s World Cup finals, the 69-cap international is also hoping to have his long-term future sorted ahead of a potential trip to North America.

While Rashford might have only completed a temporary move away from his boyhood club, it has been heavily suggested that the Manchester-born superstar has absolutely no interest in rebuilding any bridges at Old Trafford.

Although Barcelona might still be dealing with some public financial restrictions behind the scenes in Catalonia, it is no secret that both parties are keen on making the 28-year-old’s move a permanent one this summer.

Atletico keeping a close eye on proceedings

While Rashford’s sole focus might be on making sure that he is able to make his move to Catalonia a permanent one, Barca’s public financial issues will be a huge hurdle when all parties begin discussions this summer.

However, reportedly ruling out any kind of return to the red half of Manchester following a messy divorce from his boyhood club, it has been suggested that the English ace could still extend his stay in Spain.

While Conor Gallagher might have completed a £35million move to Tottenham earlier in the week, Diego Simeone could be keen on adding another England international to his ranks.

With speculation that ex-Manchester City star Julian Alvarez is attracting plenty of heavyweight European interest, reports over the festive period claimed that Simeone is a huge admirer of Rashford.

Although Barca might sit firmly in the driving seat to snap up Rashford on a permanent basis this summer, Atletico are keeping a close tabs on proceedings and could be a perfect plan Plan B should Flick’s side be unable to find the viable finances.




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