Marcus Rashford can land instant reunion as Barcelona release statement

Manchester United's Marcus Rashford can bring about a homecoming in more ways than one this summer – if he joins Barcelona permanently

Marcus Rashford could be in line for a coincidental reunion in the event he joins Barcelona permanently this summer. That's after the Catalans announced plans to spend part of their pre-season programme training at St. George's Park.

Los Cules are due to travel to the home of England's national team during the latter portion of their pre-season. And it could see Manchester United attacker Rashford bump into more than a few familiar faces provided he has joined Barca again by that point.

Barcelona will be training at St. George's Park for one week between July 27 and August 3. Barca previously travelled to the same location during their 2014 and 2016 summer programmes, having clearly been impressed by what they saw the first time around.

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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.

"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 remains up in the air after an impressive season on loan at the Camp Nou. The England forward has been itching for a permanent move to Catalonia, where he scored 14 goals and assisted another 14 in 49 games this season.

However, there remains to be any firm indication Barca will pay the necessary £26million to complete a permanent deal. Reports have suggested the Spaniards wish to negotiate Rashford's signature for a smaller fee but United are standing firm.

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick has said he's happy with Rashford's work over the course of their time working together. The German has also reportedly instructed Barca to get a deal done so he can continue working with the 28-year-old.

The situation has been somewhat complicated by Barca's acquisition of Newcastle and England winger Anthony Gordon. And not only because Gordon adds competition for Rashford on his preferred left wing.

The £70m transfer also proves Barca's financial position in no uncertain terms. And they'll struggle to convince United they can't complete a move for Rashford on the proposed terms if they sign Gordon for three times the amount.

Rashford has made little secret of his desire to remain at the Camp Nou on permanent terms. He commented on the prospect after scoring against Real Madrid in El Clasico last month to help clinch La Liga for Flick's side.

"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."

The veteran will be away at World Cup 2026 for the foreseeable future. However, that may not be his only brush with the national team this summer if Barcelona move swiftly to secure his signature over the next six weeks or so.

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