Marcus Rashford transfer: PSG & Real Madrid interest, Man Utd ‘fear’ plus when his contract expires

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser al-Khelaifi has publicly declared his interest in signing Manchester United attacker Marcus Rashford. The England international has previously been linked with a move to the French capital, and with his contract beginning to run down, Khelaifi has admitted the prospect of signing Rashford on a free is an appealing prospect.

What did PSG’s president say?

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Khelaifi said:“He’s another player that is really amazing - and for free? To have Rashford for free, every club would run after him, definitely.

“We’re not hiding it, we spoke before and [there was] interest, but the moment was not a good moment for both sides. Maybe, summer, why not? Today if he’s a free agent of course we can talk to him directly, but we are not going to talk to him now. Let him focus on the World Cup. Then after, in January hopefully, if we’re interested we will talk to him.”

When was Rashford previously linked with PSG?

It was reported in August by ESPN that Rashford’s representatives met with PSG about a possible transfer, with the forward open to the move. They added that no formal talks had taken place yet with United. In March, Fabrizio Romano tweeted to say Rashford was on the ‘list of options’ to replace Kylian Mbappe, although the latter ultimately remained at the Parc des Princes.

Are any other clubs interested in Rashford?

The Daily Star reported earlier this week that Real Madrid are ‘at the front of that queue’ for Rashford and have ‘long been admirers’ of the Mancunian. The outlet also claimed United ‘fear they will be forced to sell’ Rashford next summer, with talks surrounding a new contract stalling.

When does Rashford’s contract expire?

Rashford’s current contract expires at the end of the season, although United can exercise the right to extend that by an additional year, which essentially means he is tied to the club until June 2024. However, in the unlikely situation his contract is allowed to expire in the summer, Rashford would be free to talk to European clubs in January about a potential move.

In October, when Erik ten Hag was asked for the latest on several players whose deals expire in the summer, he responded: “First we go to the winter and then we will talk about how to deal with this.” Meanwhile, The Athletic reported last week that the Red Devils want to address Rashford’s contract situation when he returns from the World Cup.

Could a transfer happen?

Rashford’s future has suddenly become a pressing issue for United and the timing of PSG’s blatant sales pitch, just weeks before he returns to club football, does not seem a coincidence.

However, it’s unlikely the player would walk away for free next summer; he’s simply too valuable an asset for United not to cash in on. Yet, even with 18 months remaining on his contract, Rashford could potentially depart United for a relatively modest fee, especially considering his impressive form over recent months.

The ball is very much in the 25-year-old’s court. He could use the evident interest from elsewhere to negotiate a much-improved deal with United, or look for a fresh challenge abroad safe in the knowledge that he has at most 18 months remaining on his current contract.