Four Potential Destinations for Marcus Rashford | OneFootball

This summer’s Marcus Rashford transfer saga continues to rumble on as the Manchester United forward desperately searches for a fresh challenge.

Having spent last season on loan with Aston Villa—the first time he had played for a club other than Man Utd—the 27-year-old is now looking for a permanent home. He’s already informed Ruben Amorim of his desire to leave, with the Portuguese manager also keen to sever ties after their public fallout.

Rashford’s future remains shrouded in uncertainty, however, with few clubs capable of matching his asking price and wage demands. While his Villa loan move helped him rediscover his mojo, he remains some distance off the Rashford of old, making any transfer a risky one for prospective buyers.

Still, there is significant interest in the England international.

Barcelona

Rashford could join a star-studded attack. / IMAGO/ZUMA Press Wire

It’s long been clear that Rashford’s dream destination is Barcelona. He’s eager to team up with Lamine Yamal and Co. to further bolster La Blaugrana’s exceptional attack, with the Catalan giants having long admired the Man Utd man. Sporting director Deco even openly admitted that Barça “liked” him back in May.

Having ultimately failed in their pursuit of priority target Nico Williams, who has signed a new contract with Athletic Club, attention now turns to alternatives, with Rashford likely high on Barcelona’s wish list. The forward will cost less than Williams—Man Utd want £40 million—and his versatility makes him a desirable asset.

While Barcelona need cover for Yamal and Raphinha in the wide areas, they also require someone capable of filling Robert Lewandowski’s sizeable shoes. The current alternative to the Pole is Ferran Torres, who has been linked with a summer departure, and Rashford’s ability to play out wide and as a No.9 makes him an appealing option.

Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich must replace several forwards this summer, including Leroy Sané. / IMAGO/DeFodi Images

Bayern Munich were another club rebuffed by Athletic Club’s Williams this summer and are now once again scouting for attacking reinforcements. The Bundesliga champions find themselves light in the final third following the double departure of Mathys Tel and Leroy Sané, while there have also been talks of an exit for Kinglsey Coman this summer.

Jamal Musiala’s horror injury and Thomas Müller’s exit have further limited Vincent Kompany’s creative options, while Rashford’s compatriot Harry Kane is Bayern’s only orthodox No.9. Die Roten have much work to do in the transfer market to remedy these issues.

Again, Rashford’s flexibility could prove decisive in any move, with Bayern lacking depth both out wide and in the middle of their attack. The transfer might not be the Catalan dream, but it would allow Rashford the chance to win titles and feature in the Champions League—the latter thought to be important to the Englishman.

Fenerbahçe

José Mourinho could reunite with Rashford. / IMAGO/Middle East Images

Could there be a reunion for Rashford and José Mourinho on the cards? Well, possibly.

Fenerbahçe have supposedly expressed their interest in signing Rashford this summer despite lacking the appeal of either Barcelona or Bayern, with the Turkish side reportedly ready to match Man Utd’s £40 million valuation of their out-of-favour forward.

Whether Fener can pull off such a coup remains to be seen but Rashford did enjoy some productive seasons under Mourinho at Old Trafford. He scored 24 goals and managed a further 12 assists during the Portuguese manager’s two full seasons in charge of Man Utd.

Rashford would be guaranteed first-team football at Fener and could feature in the Champions League depending on whether Mourinho’s side qualify for the league phase.

Saudi Pro League

Al Hilal are among the Saudi Pro League’s biggest spenders. / IMAGO/Xinhua

The Saudi Pro League’s big-hitters are consistently linked with Europe’s elite talent—Rashford’s Man Utd clubmate Bruno Fernandes was the subject of intense interest from the division earlier this summer. Clubs like Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Nassr would be able to comfortably afford to sign Rashford and offer him an incredible wage.

Rashford has reportedly rejected Saudi advances in recent times but his resolve could be tested by future proposals, especially should a move to Barcelona fail to materialise. He wouldn’t be the first to sacrifice their footballing aspirations for the extraordinary money on offer in the Middle East.