There has been constant speculation surrounding Marcus Rashford since he revealed he is ready for a new challenge.
Although the biggest challenge of his career is staring him right in the face at Manchester United, Marcus Rashford has suggested he may be ready for the next chapter of his career, away from Old Trafford.
That challenge is to impress Ruben Amorim and become part of the United head coach’s long-term plans.
It’s a strange situation because Rashford is an academy graduate, playing for his boyhood club, and most footballers in that situation would have a desire to become a club legend.
The 27-year-old could still earn legendary status at United, but he’s not there yet and leaving for pastures new won’t help him achieve such a feat.
It is understood that Rashford’s options are limited if he does decide to leave United. United In Focus takes a look at five possible destinations for the under-firing forward.
Napoli
United could try to strike an exchange deal if Rashford leaves United.
A name that would excite United fans is Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who is currently on loan at Galatasaray.
Osimhen is on United’s radar as they seek a deal with Napoli which would see Rashford go the other way.
Rashford would reunite with former United team-mate Scott McTominay if he was to sign for Napoli.
Barcelona
Of all the options reportedly available, Barcelona is Rashford’s preferred destination.
The Spanish giants may be interested in such a deal but they’re struggling to register new signings due to Financial Fair Play regulations.
This is an obstacle for Barcelona because it won’t be a cheap deal between Rashford’s transfer fee and £365,000-per-week salary.
Rashford will need to lower his financial expectations if his apparent dream move is to materialise.
Saudi Arabia
A move away from Europe would put Rashford’s international career at risk.
Rashford was left out of Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024, but he will hope for more call-ups now that Thomas Tuchel has been made England manager.
According to The Times, Rashford has turned down a move to Saudi Arabia, as he dreams of resurrecting his England career.
It remains to be seen if one of the Saudi Pro League clubs can change his mind with a big salary.
AC Milan
One of the latest clubs to show an interest in Rashford is AC Milan.
The Guardian claims Milan are considering a loan swoop, with any deal dependent on United paying a sizeable portion of the forward’s salary.
Unlike Napoli, Milan have struggld this season as they sit 8th in the Italian top-flight. They could look to add to their attack to turn their fortunes around for the second half of the season.
MLS
Although Rashford likes to say mid-season trips to the US, it’s unlikely that he will move his career there just yet.
The same policy will apply to America as Saudi Arabia because such a move won’t do his England career any favours.
A list of former United players moved to the MLS at the latter stages of their career, including David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Only time will tell if Rashford follows in their footsteps.
Juventus
Rashford appears to have several options for a loan move in Italy, but it remains to be seen if United will accept such a deal, unless the club in question covers Rashford’s overall salary.
Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic has been linked with a move to Old Trafford, but it remains to be seen if the Italian giants are ready to part ways with the Serbia international in January, with his contract set to expire next year.
This means another Italian side could offer United an exchange deal for Vlahovic.
It has been suggested that Juventus are considering a move for Joshua Zirkzee as well as Rashford.
Borussia Dortmund
The only Bundesliga club reportedly in the running for Rashford is Borussia Dortmund.
The Athletic claims Dortmund are considering a loan deal for the England international because they have a shortage of wide forward options.
Dortmund could try to persuade Rashford by explaining how Jadon Sancho enjoyed his half-season loan last term, after reaching the Champions League final.
Like the other European clubs interested, the German outfit would struggle to cover his full salary.
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