Three clubs enter Rashford race

Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford has emerged as a key target for Saudi Arabian clubs Al-Ahli, Al-Ittihad, and Al-Qadsiah.

That’s according to GiveMeSport who reveal that the three Middle East clubs are keen on the attacker. The 27-year-old appears set to leave Old Trafford in 2025 after being put up for sale.

New head coach Ruben Amorim has already sidelined Rashford from the matchday squads against Manchester City and Tottenham.

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Amid growing speculation about his future, Rashford admitted he’s “ready for a new challenge”. And now the outlet has said that all three Saudi Pro League clubs are keen to sign Rashford, whether in January or during the summer window. Any formal negotiations are expected to be overseen by Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo.

Of the three, Al-Ahli has the most pressing need for a versatile forward. Head coach Matthias Jaissle has been deploying Saudi international Firas Al-Buraikan on the left wing, even though his natural position is as a striker. Rashford would likely step directly into the starting XI. However, Al-Ahli’s foreign player quota is currently full, and they would need to offload a player to make room.

Barcelona move for Rashford

FootballTransfers understands that Barcelona have made contact with United over a January loan move for Marcus Rashford.

The Man Utd winger raised eyebrows this week when he openly admitted that he was looking for a ‘new challenge’ away from Old Trafford.

“For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” he told Henry Winter. “When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings.’ You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United.”

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His comments came just a day after Rashford was dropped by Ruben Amorim for the Manchester Derby due to his training performances, which already served as a major hint that the two parties could go their separate ways in 2025.

The news of Rashford’s desire to leave has piqued the interest of Barcelona, we are told. Rashford is a player the Blaugrana have admired for some time, and president Joan Laporta is keen to pounce on any available ‘market opportunity.’

We understand that Barcelona have made contact with Man Utd regarding a potential half-season loan that would include the option to buy the 27-year-old in the summer.

The fee put forward by the Spanish giants was £35 million (€42m). Man Utd did not immediately respond to the approach but Rashford has been made aware of the interest and is keen on the move.

Despite a sentimental attachment between Rashford and the club, Man Utd are determined to offload the winger in a bid to balance the books and revamp the team in collaboration with Amorim.

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After years of operating at a loss, Man Utd have to keep an eye on Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and the potential departure of Rashford – one of the club’s biggest earners – would go a long way towards easing these concerns, especially as any fee generated would count as ‘pure profit.’

Man Utd are willing to make concessions in the form of a cut-price deal to facilitate a transfer but there is an awareness that his wages could prove a major stumbling block.

Especially for a club like Barcelona, who currently look unlikely to be able to register summer signing Dani Olmo before their December 31 deadline, Rashford’s arrival could cause more problems than it would solve.

Nevertheless, the player is understood to be eager to head to Spain and Barcelona are attracted by the idea of bringing Rashford in, even if it would be tricky to do.