Marcus Rashford is closing in on a departure from Manchester United with one possible destination this January transfer window emerging thanks to another exit
AC Milan have let a young forward fly out to secure a transfer in Germany to potentially make room for Marcus Rashford.
Manchester United are keen to find a new club for Rashford in the January transfer window after he was sidelined by Ruben Amorim. Rashford has confessed that he’s ready for a fresh challenge and has been exploring potential exit strategies this month.
Milan has emerged as the most probable destination after the 27-year-old dismissed the idea of relocating to Saudi Arabia or Turkey at this point in his career. However, the financial aspect has complicated the move, with Rashford earning £325,000 per week at United until June 2028.
The Italian heavyweights are interested in an initial loan deal until the season’s end, but are reluctant to cover even half of his wages, given their top-earner, Alvaro Morata, is only on £150,000. Despite this, Milan haven’t abandoned negotiations with United and are proceeding with other business in the January window which could facilitate his arrival.
According to reports in Italy, Milan forward Noah Okafor is set to fly to Germany on Friday to sign for RB Leipzig on an initial loan deal that could become permanent for around €25million (£21m) in the summer. The Swiss forward, who joined Milan from RB Salzburg for €15.5m (£13m) in the summer of 2023, has been deemed surplus to requirements.
The imminent departure of a key player is set to free up space and funds at United, with Rashford’s brother and agent Dane in Italy to finalise a deal. The club’s co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made it clear that every squad member has their price.
The England striker hasn’t featured for United since their Europa League victory on December 12, but with seven goals and three assists this season, he’s now on the brink of exiting his childhood club before the transfer window shuts on February 3.
Rashford himself said in December, “For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” adding, “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.”