Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford has reportedly agreed he will stay at Old Trafford for the rest of the season after negotiating a contract loan to Borussia Dortmund stalled.
The England international has been actively courted by clubs around the world since publicly stating his desire for a “new challenge” in mid-December. Rashford had been absent from the Manchester derby days earlier and had not received a single minute from Ruben Amorim in the six weeks that followed.
However, the striker’s high salary – estimated at over £300,000 a week – and his reluctance to move outside Europe’s elite limited his options.
Borussia Dortmund were considered Rashford’s strongest suitor and even once considered a possible permanent move. But the financial realities of a loan deal ensure the Bundesliga club has “no hope” of signing Rashford this month, per Sky Sports Germany.
All hope is not lost. Dortmund are reportedly waiting to see whether United’s position to cover the bulk of Rashford’s wages weakens as the transfer window draws to a close, and Barcelona reportedly remain in the running. However, it remains to be seen how the Catalans will be able to finance the flood of agreed contract extensions and Rashford’s high salary.
AC Milan have also been linked with a move for Rashford but are unable to sign another non-EU player following the impending acquisition of England right-back Kyle Walker from Manchester City.
Although Rashford is clearly pushing for an exit, he has been described as “content” and even “happy” to play for Amorim if the Portuguese coach calls on him The Guardian.
Rashford’s last appearance for United came in a Europa League game against Viktoria Plzen on December 12th. Before his exile, the 27-year-old scored three goals in six games under Amorim. Only three players – Amad Diallo, Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes – have scored more goals during the head coach’s entire tenure.