Barcelona have decided against exercising their £26 million option to sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United on a permanent basis, according to reports. The Spanish champions have instead completed a £60 million deal for Newcastle's Anthony Gordon, effectively ending their interest in the England international.
The 28-year-old Rashford has already removed any mention of Barcelona from his Instagram bio. He will now return to United after the World Cup, unless another club agrees a transfer before the option deadline on Monday. Marca reports that the relationship between player and club is over, with Barcelona saying goodbye to their loanee.
The decision was influenced by head coach Hansi Flick, who preferred Gordon due to his pressing ability and three-and-a-half-year age advantage. Both players would cost similar wages, but Barcelona's sporting directorate, including Deco and Flick, had growing doubts about Rashford.
Despite the uncertainty, Rashford spoke to Gordon about Barcelona while in England's camp. Gordon told talkSPORT: 'He was just telling me how good the lads are there, the team spirit that they have... He was also telling me about the city, places to live. He's a lovely guy.' Rashford had previously expressed his desire to stay at Barcelona, calling it 'an honour' to play for the club.
