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Marcus Rashford’s future is far from being decided as clubs continue to line up for his signature.
The 27-year-old is expected to secure a move away from Manchester United this month after being limited to regular game time under Ruben Amorim. He also admitted last month that he was ‘ready’ for a new challenge away from the club.
Rashford hasn’t played for United since the Europa League win over Viktoria Plzen on December 12. AC Milan seemed to be the favourites for his signature but that has now been put into doubt since the forward was offered to Barcelona.
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Here, the Manchester Evening News takes a look at the latest headlines surrounding Rashford.
Premier League move out ‘ruled out’
The Mirror reports that United intend to leave Chelsea, Tottenham and West Ham – all of whom have shown signs of interest in Rashford – disappointed as they will reportedly not allow him to join another Premier League club this month.
AC Milan, Juventus and Barcelona have been among the European clubs linked with a move for Rashford. The Manchester Evening News understands United are prepared to let Rashford leave on loan if they receive an acceptable offer and would require a loan fee and for the majority of Rashford’s wages to be covered.
Move to AC Milan ‘slowed down’
According to Corriere della Sera (via Milan News), Milan’s prospective move for Rashford has appeared to slow down following concrete interest from Barcelona. The forward and his representatives were ‘supposed to respond’ to Milan’s offer on Wednesday but that hasn’t quite arrived yet.
It’s suggested that United have ‘asked’ Milan for more time to avoid making an ‘immediate decision’ amid reported interest from Barcelona.
Milan move could be ‘scuppered’
Despite Barca’s interest, Rashford’s proposed switch to Milan could be scuppered following news of current Milan forward Noah Okafor’s collapsed exit to RB Leipzig. Okafor was expected to leave the club to free up a spot in Sergio Conceicao’s squad for the second half of the season.
He left Milan to undergo his medical tests on Monday but it has now been revealed that Leipzig have cancelled the move, as per Sky Sports reporter Philipp Hinze. A problem in his medical tests, which showed that the 24-year-old would not be available for some time, means Okafor has returned to Italy.
It means Milan may struggle to make room for Rashford with the likes of Rafael Leao, Christian Pulisic, Tammy Abraham, Samuel Chukwueze and Alvaro Morata already at the club.
‘Offered’ to Barcelona
Fabrizio Romano claims Rashford is appreciated internally by the Spanish giants and meetings have already taken place over a potential deal. “The player [Marcus Rashford] was offered to Barcelona,” Romano told the Market Madness podcast.
“So keep an eye also on what Barcelona decide to do, because, in this moment, he probably is not a priority for Barca but he’s a player appreciated internally at Barcelona. He would love a move to Spain. So at the moment, it is not a guaranteed move or an advanced move, but Barca have been offered this possibility. They also had a meeting with the agents of Rashford, so I think this could be one to watch in the final days of the window.”
Rashford stance
The Manchester Evening News reported earlier this month that Rashford rejected three lucrative offers from Saudi Arabia. The England international has also ruled out a move to any teams in Turkey as he wants to prioritise a career-driven move ahead of the 2026 World Cup in 18 months’ time.
Spanish outlet SPORT states a move to Barca would be Rashford’s ‘ideal destination.’ Manager Hansi Flick, who previously tried to sign him while at Bayern Munich, is thought to be keen to bring him to the Nou Camp.
The report adds that Flick values his versatility ‘very positively’ as he is able to play in the left wing and as a centre forward. This would allow Robert Lewandowski to be rested for the second half of the season amid a hectic schedule.
Back to training
Earlier this week, Rashford posted a picture of himself in the gym training hard. This confirms he has now recovered from his illness.