Man Utd outcast Rashford makes decision on €42m-per-season Saudi move

Tom Weber

Updated: 2 Jan 2025 19:18 GMT
3 min read

Marcus Rashford, Man Utd, 2024/25 — © IMAGO

Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford has formally rejected an approach from the Saudi Pro League, according to Fabrizio Romano and other sources.

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The Red Devils winger is expected to be on the move in 2025 after admitting last month that he is ready for a new challenge away from Old Trafford.

Rashford has not featured in Man Utd's previous five games and FootballTransfers revealed on Wednesday that this was in part due to the fact that the player's representatives have been in touch with other clubs.

Head coach Ruben Amorim is particularly frustrated with the situation surrounding Rashford, but Man Utd's INEOS bosses do not mind as they are looking to offload the player and raise funds as soon as possible.

Rashford's next move is not yet known. The player favours a transfer to Spain and is particularly attracted to Barcelona, while we understand that Arsenal moving for him is unlikely but not impossible under certain circumstances.

Rashford rejects Saudi

Speculation surrounding a potential move to Saudi Arabia has also been rampant in recent weeks due to the fact that European clubs may not be able to afford Rashford mid-season.

Journalist Ben Jacobs revealed in December that at least three Saudi clubs had expressed an interest in Rashford, but the 27-year-old has now formally rejected a centrally-coordinated approach from Pro League dealmakers.

This information is also corroborated by Fabrizio Romano. Rashford has no interest in moving to Saudi Arabia at this stage despite having been offered a €42 million per season contract.

Rashford is determined to join a club in a league that allows him to remain in the frame for England with a view to featuring at the 2026 World Cup.

The Saudi clubs known to admire Rashford are PIF club Al-Ahli and promoted Aramco-owned side Al-Qadsiah, who are currently third in the Pro League standings after spending north of €80 million in the summer. Al-Ittihad previously held an interest.