Tottenham Hotspur isn’t just in the market for midfielders this summer. The club is reportedly preparing to make a run at Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford, and the reason is pretty straightforward: new manager Roberto De Zerbi wants him bad.
According to the i Paper, De Zerbi is a massive fan of the 28-year-old forward. And with Heung-Min Son gone since last summer, Spurs have been missing a natural left-sided attacker. Rashford fits that description perfectly, even if convincing him to leave Old Trafford won’t be easy.
Here’s where it gets complicated. Manchester United wants to sell. Ineos is determined to move Rashford’s massive wages — we’re talking up to £325,000 a week once the Champions League bonus kicks in, which is now the most expensive contract at the club after Casemiro left for America. There’s supposedly a gentleman’s agreement between player and club on a £40 million release clause, but the actual salary is what scares off most suitors.
Arsenal, Aston Villa, Newcastle, and Bayern Munich are all circling. But Rashford’s first choice is reportedly a return to Barcelona, where he spent time on loan. Barça is open to that, but only on loan again. If that doesn’t work, Bayern is an option. A move to another Premier League rival? Not really on his radar, according to reports. He’d rather stay at United and try to make things work under Michael Carrick if the door is open.
But Tottenham is pushing anyway. De Zerbi is looking for experienced players after Spurs almost got relegated last season — an unthinkable idea a couple years ago. The club has already brought in Marcos Senesi and Andy Robertson on free transfers and agreed a £52 million deal for Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke. Tonali seems to be the next big target after United rejected an £80 million bid from Spurs, with an improved offer expected to follow.
The thing about Rashford is that Tottenham can’t offer European football of any kind. That’s a tough sell for a player who’s played at the highest level. But the pitch is simple: you’d be the main man in a system built by a manager who gets the most out of forwards. If no better alternative pops up, that might be enough.
United is reportedly desperate enough to accept a lower bid than the £40 million clause if it means getting Rashford off the books. Tottenham is not willing to match that number, but a cheaper offer might get the job done. The biggest hurdle isn’t the fee, though. It’s convincing a guy from Wythenshawe to swap Manchester for London when his preference is either Barcelona or staying put.
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