Marcus Rashford has put potential suitors on alert after sensationally opening the door to a Manchester United exit.
The 27-year-old has spent two decades at his boyhood club but revealed ahead of the January transfer window that he is “ready for a new challenge”.
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Rashford’s bombshell comments came just two days after he was left out of Ruben Amorim’s Red Devils squad for their derby win over rivals Manchester City.
Coach Amorim has since commented on the England international, stressing that he would like to keep him at Old Trafford.
However, he admitted it was “right” for the striker to seek a new challenge – which could become a reality in the new year.
The Pitch Prospect understands United are open to offers for the two-time FA Cup winner, who has scored 138 goals in 426 games for the club.
Rashford has been heavily linked with a move in 2022, but last year he ended uncertainty over his future after signing a five-year contract.
However, United know that although Rashford is tied to the club until 2028, he could be forced into a sale at a reduced price if they want to part ways.
The academy graduate is one of the club’s biggest earners, raking in the better part of £400,000 a week including bonuses.
His high salary could deter any interested clubs willing to give Rashford the chance to reinvent himself.
Rashford has struggled with consistency so far this season – scoring seven goals and three assists in 24 games in all competitions.
However, there is no denying his obvious talent and with the player’s future uncertain, The Pitch Prospect.com takes a look at five possible clubs he could work with.
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arsenal
Arsenal are known to be looking to strengthen their frontline, with manager Mikel Arteta being a big fan of versatile players.
Should the Gunners push forward with a move for Rashford, he could slot in on the left wing against the out-of-form duo of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.
He would also be strong competition for striker Kai Havertz, who has yet to fully convince fans that he should be the starting center forward in the coming years.
Arsenal have shown in recent years that they are not afraid of poaching star players from rival clubs, bringing in Gabriel Jesus and Oleksandr Zinchenko from City, Havertz, Jorginho and Raheem Sterling from Chelsea and Declan Rice from West Ham.
However, journalist Henry Winter, with whom Rashford spoke openly about his future, is not convinced he will end up in north London.
The The Pitch Prospect columnist said of White and Jordan: “Arsenal, there are various issues with Martinelli. But no, absolutely no indication.” [he will go there].”
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Chelsea
The Blues raided United on deadline day in the summer to sign winger Jadon Sancho, initially on loan.
Sancho struggled for form at United but has rediscovered his love of the game in west London, having been directly involved in seven goals in 12 games.
And Chelsea could be aiming for a similar result with Rashford if they decide to push ahead with a move to the club, potentially looking for a new winger.
Mykhailo Mudryk has been provisionally suspended by the Blues after a failed drug test.
The Ukrainian faces a lengthy ban after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium in an FA urine sample.
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Paris Saint Germain
PSG was the club that failed to sign Rashford in 2022 but remained interested in the player. The Pitch Prospect reported that they were considering signing him in the summer.
Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is known to be a big admirer of Rashford, having met with his representatives before and after signing his contract extension with United.
And PSG could press ahead with a move for Rashford in January as the club is yet to replace Kylian Mbappe at the top, while they have relied heavily on winger Bradley Barcola this season, who has scored 10 of his 40 goals in Ligue 1.
However, it remains to be seen whether PSG will convert their interest into a formal offer, as PSG have opted to sign younger players rather than star players in recent transfer windows.
TalkSPORT correspondent Ben Jacobs commented on whether Rashford would be an option for the French giants on the Sports Breakfast show: “The PSG camp felt they were being used as leverage to get Rashford what he wanted at Manchester United.”
“That’s why PSG wouldn’t move for Rashford unless they received a request to get me, and you could argue that the interview with Henry Winter is perhaps a request to get me.”
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Barcelona
While Barca are full of strikers, they could see Rashford as a long-term successor to now 36-year-old striker Robert Lewandowski.
Commenting on the interest in him, Jacobs said: “You have [a move to] Spain as a possibility, Barcelona have examined Rashford.
“But wages are a barrier.”
As for Winter’s view of Barca as a potential destination, he simply said: “Barcelona, do they have the money?”
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Saudi Arabia
If there’s one place that could not only match Rashford’s current wages but actually increase them, it’s Saudi Arabia.
The Pitch Prospect understands that clubs such as Al Ittihad – managed by former United defender Laurent Blanc – are keeping a close eye on Rashford’s situation.
However, Rashford is understood to be aware that playing in the Middle East could affect his chances of being selected for England for the 2026 World Cup – assuming the Three Lions qualify.
On a possible move to Saudi Arabia, Jacobs said: “I think Europe is the key word because Rashford, at 27, has to think about where he has the best chance of playing and giving himself the chance to be called up for England too become.”
“So, although there are Saudi interests, I think it is less likely that Saudi Arabia will be a target in 2025 – January or summer.”
“However, central dealmakers met with Manchester United in January 2023 and Rashford, as well as Casemiro and Raphael Varane, were mentioned as possible players who could become available in the next windows.”
Jacobs added: “Al Qadsiah and Al Ittihad – both teams told Michael Emenalo.” [Saudi Pro League sports director] If Rashford is available on the market, they want to get in.
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