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Marcus Rashford shocked everyone, especially Man Utd fans and teammates, when he told the club that he wishes to leave Old Trafford during the winter transfer window. For some, this has been a long-time coming because the 27-year-old striker has been battling poor form for months and seems to have fallen down the pecking order at the Red Devils.
More than a handful of elite teams have since tried to sign Rashford. Serie A mid-table club AC Milan seems to have made the biggest attempt, but their move could hit a snag due to an EU's little-known policy. FC Barcelona is also ready to scoop up the English forward, with Bundesliga's Borussia Dortmund looking to perk up their struggling attack. Clubs in the MLS, Saudi Arabia, and Europe are on the bounce, as well. So which team could snap up Marcus Rashford before the January window closes?
AC Milan move could hit a dead end because of a post-Brexit rule
Many industries both in the UK and EU have had to face a new set of regulations and changes post-Brexit. British property owners in countries like Spain, Portugal, and Italy were forced to cut their stays to 90 days or apply for residency through the golden visa, while providers of sports betting and online casino games must set up offices in either the UK or the EU to continue operating. The same is true of the sports and entertainment industry, as British nationals like Marcus Rashford are now considered non-EU players.
A little-known EU policy says that a club registered in the European Union cannot sign more than two English players. Since Kyle Walker is also on AC Milan's scout list, they can only sign him or Rashford but not both. This puts the Rossoneri in a tough spot, as they've reportedly made a big break in their talks with reps for both players, but especially with Walker’s who isn’t keen on a move to Saudi Arabia.
Barcelona most likely to win over Rashford
With AC Milan in a tough spot due to the EU technicality, we can easily see Rashford ending up at FC Barcelona. Every puzzle seems to be falling in place for Hansi Flick. For one, Rashford himself has been quoted as saying that his favourite next team is Barca. It helps that the Catalans have managed to re-organise their finances to meet the ever-evasive (at least for them) 1:1 rule for registering players.
Of course, Flick and President Joan Laporta have to make a few squeezes to find a playroom for Marcus. Word is that Ansu Fati and Ronald Araujo are on their way out of Camp Nou, a godsent timing for the English striker who fits off the left (a position Ansu currently plays at). If they sell the two, with Araujo off to Serie A, this will free up enough money to pay Rashford’s humongous £350,000-a-week wages.
Man Utd management to veto a move to an EPL rival
A domestic move was initially on the books for Rashford. Hammers, Spurs, and Chelsea have all made offers on the side, but this may no longer be possible as Sir Jim Ratcliffe has put his foot down. According to Yahoo Sports, Man Utd’s new part-owner won’t help perk up EPL rivals and that Rashford won't be allowed to sign for any of the three teams.
Ratcliffe’s decision makes sense, at least from United’s end of the table. That is especially true given that the Red Devils might have foot a big chunk of Rashford’s wages if he goes on loan. This essentially means the prized forward will have to settle for a club outside of England (another win for Barca in our opinion).
Dortmund drops out, with a move to MLS and Saudi still possible
Rashford’s dream of following in the footsteps of Harry Kane has been quashed (for now) after Bundesliga side Borussia Dortmund decided to pull out of the race to sign him. New head coach Nuri Sahin reportedly doesn't see the English forward fitting into his perking order and playbook. It doesn’t help that BVB doesn’t have well-oiled coffers to meet his £350,000-a-week take-home.
Teams from America's MLS and Saudi Arabia have shown interest. They could offer Rashford good money and a fresh start, but he would rather stay in European football.
Is it really a good time for Rashford to leave Old Trafford?
It's a big moment for Rashford to want to leave United, but we cannot discredit his big accomplishment for the club. He came up through the youth teams and made a splash right away, scoring twice in his first game against Midtjylland in 2016. Last season was his best ever, with 30 goals, which is something no Utd player had done since Robin van Persie in 2013.
Although Marcus is ‘open to stay’ at Old Trafford, this season has been tough for him and he might get more playtime elsewhere, especially in Serie A, MLS or La Liga. Under new manager Ruben Amorim, Rashford has barely played, starting just 12 league games and scoring only four times. He hasn't played at all since mid-December, missing seven games in a row.
Who else is Amorin selling (and buying) this January?
Rashford isn't the only United player who might be heading for the exit. Young star Alejandro Garnacho has agreed to a last-minute transfer to Serie A’s Napoli over EPL rival Chelsea.
Coach Amorin doesn't want to lose too many strikers at once and has already thrown his eyes on a few replacements. Randal Kolo Muani tops their wishlist, with United joining Milan and Tottenham in trying to sign him from PSG. Red Bull Salzburg's promising talent Dorgeles Nene is another option being considered, but as a player for the rebuild. |
