Marcus Rashford’s future is up in the air after his loan spell with Barcelona. Staying at Manchester United is looking increasingly unlikely.
Rashford joined Barcelona on loan last summer and has flourished when given the opportunity. The Englishman has ben directly involved in 24 goals in just 23 starts for the Blaugrana. But there’s no guarantee that he remains at Barcelona.
If Rashford fails to sign for Barcelona permanently this summer, we could see a host of clubs in the race for his signature. An Old Trafford stay feels unlikely, so where could he end up?
Who could sign Rashford this summer?
Dream: Arsenal
A move to Arsenal is placed in the dream category for multiple reasons. The Gunners could win both the Premier League and Champions League this season, so landing at the Emirates would be huge for Rashford.
Mikel Arteta’s side could be in the market for a left-sided attacker in the summer transfer window. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard aren’t at the level Arsenal will want going forward. And this is where Rashford could be an ideal fit.
Upgrading on Martinelli would be a smart move for Arsenal, and Rashford would undoubtedly be a better option. The Gunners need their winger to stretch the pitch and offer a threat in behind, situations in which Rashford thrives.
The Man Utd man would be an upgrade on both Martinelli and Trossard when it comes to contributing in the final third. Rashford would simply be a more dangerous option, and his raw pace in behind the opposition defence would be an incredibly useful tool for Arteta.
Whether Man Utd would be willing to sell to Arsenal, who they’d consider a direct rival for the league, remains to be seen. And that’s why it might be nothing more than a dream move for Rashford.
Realistic: Barcelona
As it stands, staying at Barcelona feels like the most realistic option for Rashford.
The 28-year-old has been an effective option for the La Liga club when given an opportunity. And Barcelona do have the option to make his loan move permanent.
Barcelona might be hoping to upgrade in attack during the summer window, but their financial difficulties have been well-documented. Signing Rashford on a permanent contract could be a cost-effective option, kicking the can down the road.
For Rashford, he might be hoping to join a club where he’s going to become a guaranteed starter. Especially if he wants to impress Thomas Tuchel. Although a realistic option, there might be better ones out there.
Wildcard: Newcastle
An interesting potential option for Rashford could be to end up at Newcastle United.
Selling to the Magpies might not be out of the question for Man Utd. Eddie Howe’s side have struggled in the Premier League this season, and Man Utd won’t see them as a direct threat.
Anthony Gordon’s future has been up in the air ahead of the summer, meaning Newcastle could be looking for a new left-sided attacker. In many ways, Rashford is pretty similar to the former Everton attacker.
Both Gordon and Rashford are wingers who you prefer to see running in behind rather than showing to feet. They possess electric pace and running power that helps in transitional moments, meaning both players suit Newcastle’s style of play.
If Gordon is sold in the summer, Rashford could be the ideal replacement. In fact, you’d do well to find a player who is more suited to replacing him, while he’s arguably outperformed him this season.
Squawka Suggests: Napoli
Napoli haven’t been afraid of signing players from the Premier League of late. Two of their current stars, Scott McTominay and Kevin De Bruyne, were brought to Italy from each of the Manchester clubs.
Serie A could suit Rashford perfectly. There’s a slower pace to the game, which he could exploit, and his pace in that league would make him more of a threat than he already is.
Linking up with McTominay again could be somewhat of a fairytale. And the Scottish midfielder is a case study of Napoli reviving a player’s career.
Rashford would suit playing in that left-sided attacking position for Napoli, getting beyond the striker and making runs in behind. Napoli also have a strong chance of competing in the Champions League next season, so it’s an opportunity for Rashford to play at the highest level.
Rashford has now tested himself in both the Premier League and La Liga. Serie A could be next to come, and it’s a league where we could see the very best from the English forward.
Reuniting with McTominay could be what Rashford needs to get back to his best once again, and it could be a fairytale ending to his career. Two United academy products flourishing in Italy, competing in the Champions League and hitting the heights that many expected.