Rashford scrubs Barcelona from Instagram bio as £26m permanent move collapses

Marcus Rashford has publicly signalled the end of his Barcelona dream by wiping any reference to the club from his Instagram bio, after reports confirmed the La Liga champions will not trigger their £26 million option to sign him permanently.

Rashford, 28, spent last season on loan at the Camp Nou and had expressed a desire to stay, registering 14 goals and 14 assists across 49 appearances under Hansi Flick. But Barcelona have opted to pursue Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United instead, a decision that has effectively closed the door on a permanent deal for the Manchester United forward.

Spanish outlet Marca reports that Barcelona’s preference for Gordon was driven by two key factors: the former Newcastle winger is three and a half years younger than Rashford, and impressed Flick with his willingness to contribute defensively — a quality that tipped the balance in his favour despite both players operating on the left flank.

Rashford is now expected to return to Old Trafford following the World Cup, unless United can broker a deal with another interested club before the transfer window closes. His long-term future at United had already been in question before the Barcelona loan, and the collapse of a permanent switch to Spain does little to resolve that uncertainty.

Elsewhere, Michael Carrick’s side are navigating a significant summer rebuild after confirming the departures of Casemiro, Jadon Sancho and Tyrell Malacia. United have already moved to replace Casemiro by agreeing a deal for midfielder Ederson.

On the goalkeeping front, Leeds United have confirmed they are in talks with Karl Darlow over his future. The 35-year-old Wales international is approaching the end of his contract and has attracted interest from United, who are reportedly weighing him up as back-up cover behind first-choice Senne Lammens. Darlow made 22 appearances for Leeds in the second half of last season, establishing himself as Daniel Farke’s preferred option, though the Yorkshire club are said to be in the market for a new shot-stopper regardless of the outcome of those negotiations.