A shocking report suggests that the potential sale of a Manchester United forward, valued at a massive €100m/£86m, is “being discussed,” which could signify the “end of an era” at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s current record sale remains the €94m/£80m that Real Madrid paid to acquire Cristiano Ronaldo in 2009.
This record has stood for over 15 years for two main reasons. Firstly, £80m is an enormous amount in itself. Secondly, Manchester United rarely lose their top players when their market value is at its peak during their prime years.
In fact, the fact that David Beckham’s move to Real Madrid way back in 2003 still ranks among the top 10 speaks volumes.
However, according to a remarkable report from Spain, Manchester United could break their record for the most expensive sale ever by offloading Marcus Rashford to Saudi Arabia.
Rashford had a disappointing season last year but demonstrated that he is more than capable of being a top-level winger in the campaign prior.
Indeed, Rashford scored a career-best 30 goals in the 2022/23 season, and hopes are high that he will recapture that form in the upcoming season.
But according to the Spanish press, if Rashford does rediscover his electric best, it may be in the Saudi Pro League and not in the Premier League.
£86m Marcus Rashford transfer “being discussed”
It is reported that clubs in the SPL are “willing to pay close to 100 million euros for his signing.”
According to the report, Manchester United would “seriously consider” an offer of that magnitude, and the move would signal the “end of an era at Old Trafford.” A transfer worth €100m/£86m is now “being discussed” in Saudi Pro League circles, and if the shocking move were approved, Manchester United would be free to launch a brand-new offensive in the transfer market.
The Red Devils have already signed Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs De Ligt, Leny Yoro, and Joshua Zirkzee this summer.
A central midfielder is also desired, with PSG’s €60m-rated Manuel Ugarte at the top of their wish list. A new left-back is also being sought due to Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia’s continued struggles with injury.
Would Manchester United really sell Rashford, and would he go?
Manchester United are known to be open to selling a wide forward or two before the August 30 transfer deadline.
However, the belief is that the club would prefer to sell Jadon Sancho and/or Antony before even considering moving Rashford.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that the Spanish outlet in question is not known for being one of the more reliable publications when it comes to transfer news.
Nonetheless, Sky Sports previously reported back in May that Manchester United would consider selling Rashford if bids exceeding £70m were received.
Manchester United will by no means push Rashford out, though if the forward were to push for an exit and if a huge bid were made, Manchester United would not stand in the way of the sale.
A Rashford sale this late in the window would undoubtedly come as a major shock. Only 16 days remain before the August 30 deadline, and Manchester United would have to ramp up a late move for a direct replacement.
Moreover, news of Rashford’s massive sale would also encourage selling clubs to demand a king’s ransom for any winger Manchester United were to target.
It also seems highly unlikely that Rashford would be willing to leave his boyhood club for the SPL while at the peak of his career at age 26.
Despite the immense wealth on offer in the Middle East, most of the players who have made the move are either past their prime or nearing the end of their careers.
Despite a poor showing last season, Rashford clearly still has much to contribute to Manchester United both in the Premier League and in Europe.The report regarding Manchester United potentially selling Marcus Rashford to a Saudi Pro League (SPL) club for a staggering €100m/£86m has certainly raised eyebrows. While the idea of such a transfer would signal a significant shift at Old Trafford, there are several factors to consider before this becomes a reality.
Firstly, Manchester United would only contemplate such a move if Rashford himself pushed for an exit, and a massive bid was tabled. Historically, the club has been reluctant to part with its top talents, especially when their market value is high and they are in their prime. Selling Rashford, a homegrown star and a symbol of the club, would indeed mark the “end of an era.”
Secondly, Rashford’s form is key. While he had a challenging season last year, his career-best 30-goal campaign in 2022/23 shows his potential to be a top-level player. Manchester United may prefer to offload other forwards like Jadon Sancho or Antony before considering Rashford, who still has much to contribute to the team.
Moreover, the timing is critical. With only 16 days remaining before the transfer window closes, selling Rashford would leave Manchester United scrambling for a replacement. Such a late sale could also inflate the prices of any potential targets, complicating matters further.
Finally, while the financial allure of the SPL is undeniable, it’s uncertain whether Rashford, at 26 and in the peak of his career, would want to move to Saudi Arabia. Most players moving to the SPL are typically at the tail end of their careers, not in their prime.
In conclusion, while the report is intriguing, a Rashford sale appears unlikely unless the player himself pushes for it and Manchester United receives an offer too good to refuse. For now, it seems that Rashford remains integral to the club’s plans.
