For Marcus Rashford, January could be the month that defines the rest of his career.
The Manchester United winger has been open about his desire for a “new challenge” having spent his life at Old Trafford and it looks like his wish will be granted before the end of the winter window. As things stand, a loan move looks more likely than a permanent sale.
Understandably, the 27-year-old has a hefty list of suitors. Although his standards have fallen over the past 18 months, Rashford is in the 2022/2023 season. achieved 30 goals, after scoring over 20 in two of the three seasons before that.
Potential buyers are banking on that consistency and devastating quality being rediscovered away from the harsh glare of Manchester.
With that in mind, here are Rashford’s most likely destinations – ranked, of course.
Reports have revealed it Rashford has already refused several approaches from the cash-rich Saudi Professional League. With his £300,000-a-week wages a stumbling block for most clubs considering a permanent deal, many sides in the Middle East could meet and increase those wage demands.
The fact that Rashford rejected a move suggests he will not change, even as potential desperation mounts later in the January window. Witnessing the hardships endured by his former international teammate Jordan Henderson may be enough to dissuade him.
The Man Utd number 10 could possibly turn his nose up at the prospect of joining West Ham. Ironi lacks the prestige of many of his suitors, with a poor start to the season under Julen Lopetegui failing to improve his status.
However, West Ham are thought to be in the mix for Rashfordeven if they understand that they are unlikely to make the most convincing pursuer. However, the arrival of new head coach Graham Potter could be a factor in the Hammers’ favour, as could the fact that Rashford would not have to leave the comforts of English football.
Rashford must have seen his loan spell at West Ham help former team-mate Jesse Lingard rediscover his lethal streak in 2021. Can he provide him with the same safe haven?
Marcus Rashford ok Barcelona?
You’d imagine the Catalan giants wouldn’t be able to come up with such a move, since they can’t even register the players they have due to continued financial mismanagement (Dani Olmo, Pau Victor, we’re looking at you, friends).
But word from Spain is that Barca will do their best to get Rashford *checks notes* the The Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys stadium – whether or not they’ll need it at all, given they have Lamine Yamal and Raphinha rumbling on the wings, remains to be seen.
Surprise contenders to secure Rashford’s loan signing are Italy’s Como, who were promoted to Serie A for the first time in 21 years ahead of the current campaign. They are currently fighting relegation under manager Cesc Fabregas, and survival is far from certain in the second half of the term.
Rashford would certainly be a big fish in a small pond at Lombardy, especially after his former team-mate Raphael Varane retired in September after joining Como this summer. It will offer guaranteed playing time and fewer expectations.
However, performing at a high level on the weaker side is its own challenge. Como are averaging just over a goal per game in Serie A and Rashford would face unique pressure to take them to safety.
Man Utd are highly unlikely to loan Rashford to a direct enemy – they may have learned their lesson after sending Jadon Sancho to Chelsea, where the winger is now thriving – but the Red Devils and Tottenham do not share a fierce rivalry.
Spurs are looking for reinforcements this winter, including Rashford of those under consideration. Tottenham are keen to strengthen their forward line – even if their defense is in desperate need of fresh blood – and Ange Postecoglou would be a tempting coach for most attacking players.
Rashford, who has scored six in 17 games for Spurs, will be offered plenty of attacking freedom in north London, although he will face strong competition from Son Heung-min for a starting spot on his preferred left-back.
Rashford may have heard horror stories about Antonio Conte from friends and team-mates, but he could get the chance to experience the brutal Italian first-hand before the end of the campaign. Napoli, who led them to the top of Serie A under the former Chelsea and Spurs boss, are in the hunt for his signature.
Their interest in Rashford could hinge on the future of Georgian superstar Khvich Kvaratskhelia, who is interesting Man Utd and a number of other European clubs. Napoli are finally open to selling the wily winger, and Rashford could hypothetically be used as a bargaining chip with the Red Devils.
However, the fear of playing under such a defensive-minded coach could prove to be the deciding factor in Rashford agreeing to such a change.
Juventus’ lack of wide attacking experience proved to be a problem for Thiago Motta during his debut campaign in Turin. The Old Lady have been defensively stoic this term but have lacked flair, consistency and spark at the other end of the pitch.
Of course, they are trying to solve that problem in January, with Rashford among their targets. Juve’s current attacking options fail to inspire, with even star striker Dušan Vlahović struggling to fully convince the Allianz Stadium faithful.
Juve certainly don’t lack the prestige that Rashford may want for his first move away from Old Trafford and he would be an immediate first choice for the Bianconeri.
Borussia Dortmund often gave shelter to the English. Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho have thrived at Signal Iduna Park, with the latter finding form after returning last season on loan from Man Utd. Even within their current squad, Jamie Gittens is enjoying a torrid campaign.
Such stories could serve as inspiration for Rashford, who would work under the leadership of exciting young coach Nuri Sahin. Sancho renewed his reputation among the Bundesliga giants last season and reached Champions League final, which allowed him to pave the way to west London last summer.
Dortmund, an attack-minded club with one of football’s best fan bases, could provide Rashford with just the haven he needs on his return to the elite level. Those high lines of the Bundesliga would be in trouble.
It might be quicker to name the Italian sides who don’t want to sign Rashford this winter, with AC Milan leading the race. They were the first party to make a formal approach Man Utdwith the recent Supercoppa champions looking to re-energize under new coach Sergio Conceicao.
Rashford’s representatives have reportedly held talks with Milan over a potential move following the trip to Italy, with the loan deal possibly including an option to buy depending on wage demands.
Rashford would meet a lot of familiar faces in Milan, as the English trio Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori represent the Rossoneri. That would certainly help the settlement process.
There would be strong competition for the left-wing spot with the tantalizing Rafael Lea, but joining the seven-time European champions could prove to be an offer too good to refuse.
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