Saudi Arabian trio express in interest in Marcus Rashford after bombshell ‘new challenge’ interview
Yesterday at 03:46 PM
Three Saudi Arabian clubs have expressed an interest in signing Marcus Rashford, talkSPORT understands.
The Manchester United forward is looking to move away from Old Trafford having revealed in a bombshell interview that he is ‘seeking a new challenge’.
Al Ahli, Al Ittihad and Al Qadsiah are all said to hold an interest in the England international.
While Al Ittihad have been interested in the past and Al Qadsiah are monitoring his situation, Al Ahli currently hold the most concrete interest.
However, they would need to offload or de-register a foreign player first in order to comply with Saudi Pro League registration rules.
But talkSPORT also understands that Al Ahli are considering parting ways with club captain Roberto Firmino, who is wanted by Turkish club Fenerbahce as well as Saudi club Al Tauwoun.
Al Nassr, who have Man United legend Cristiano Ronaldo in their ranks, have previously told the record Premier League champions that they were more interested in other targets.
While three Saudi Pro League sides are interested, the trio won’t do battle for his signature.
That is due to Saudi Pro League sporting director Michael Emenalo taking the lead and effectively allocating his registration to one of the clubs.
It remains to be seen if Rashford would be open to a move to Saudi Arabia in 2025, with Man United yet to receive any meaningful approaches.
The academy graduate signalled his intention to leave the club earlier this week in an interview with Henry Winter.
Rashford said: "For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps.
“When I leave it’s going to be 'no hard feelings'. You're not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That's me as a person.
“If I know that a situation is already bad I’m not going to make it worse. I’ve seen how other players have left in the past and I don’t want to be that person.
“When I leave I’ll make a statement and it will be from me. 100 per cent.”
Rashford added: "I'm halfway through my career. I don't expect my peak to be now.
“I’ve had nine years so far in the Premier League and that's taught me a lot, that's helped me grow as a player and as a person.
“So I don’t have any regrets from the last nine years.
“I won't have any regrets going forward because I take things day by day and sometimes bad things happen, sometimes good things happen. I just try and keep a fine balance.”
Rashford has been on Man United’s books for 20 years having been first scouted by them aged seven.
He broke into the first-team as an 18-year-old in 2016, scoring twice on his debut as well as a brace on his Premier League debut, a 3-2 win over Arsenal.
Rashford achieved FA Cup glory with Man United in the 2015/16 season and last term. He also boasts a Europa League and League Cup winners’ medal to his name.
