Rashford removes Barcelona from Instagram Bio as €30m transfer deal collapses

Abdullateef Fowewe

Marcus Rashford has removed any mention of Barcelona from his Instagram bio after reports emerged that the Catalan club will not trigger the €30 million (£25.8m) purchase option in his loan contract.

Spanish outlet Marca reports Barcelona have decided to let the buy option lapse with five days remaining before the clause officially expires.

Transfer journalist, Fabrizio Romano revealed on Wednesday that the club’s leadership has shelved the permanent deal but remains open to alternative arrangements, including negotiating a new loan for the coming season.

Sources cite Barcelona’s financial constraints and the recent high-profile signing of Anthony Gordon as key reasons for stepping back from a permanent transfer.

The abrupt breakdown in talks prompted a swift reaction from Rashford’s camp, with the England forward removing all references to Barcelona from his social profile amid mounting transfer speculation.

Rashford is currently on international duty with England ahead of the World Cup and, according to Yahoo Sports, intends to prioritise the tournament before committing to any long-term decision.

He is formally due to return to Manchester United ahead of pre-season.

Uncertainty now surrounds whether Rashford will be reintegrated into United’s squad under manager Michael Carrick or sold permanently to another European club as Old Trafford weighs its options.