9 potential destinations for Marcus Rashford in January - ranked | OneFootball

For Marcus Rashford, January could prove a month that defines the rest of his career.

The Manchester United winger has openly discussed his desire for a "new challenge" having spent his life at Old Trafford and his wish appears increasingly likely to be granted before the end of the winter window. A loan move looks more likely than a permanent sale as things stand.

Understandably, the 27-year-old has an extensive list of suitors. While his standards have dropped over the past 18 months, Rashford produced a 30-goal season in 2022/23, having bagged over 20 in two of the three seasons prior to that.

Prospective buyers are banking on that consistency and devastating quality being rediscovered away from the harsh glare of Manchester.

With that in mind, here are Rashford's most likely destinations - ranked, of course.

9. Saudi Arabia

Could Casemiro and Rashford be on the move to Saudi? / Alex Livesey/GettyImages

Reports have revealed that Rashford has already turned down several approaches from the cash-rich Saudi Pro League. With his £300,000-per-week wages a stumbling block for most clubs eyeing a permanent deal, many sides in the Middle East would be able to match and raise those salary demands. The fact that Rashford has rejected a move suggests that his mind will not be changed, even as potential desperation grows later in the January window. Witnessing the difficulties his former international teammate Jordan Henderson suffered may be enough to dissuade him.

8. West Ham United

Could Graham Potter's arrival sway Rashford? / Justin Setterfield/GettyImages

Man Utd's No.10 could perhaps turn his nose up at the prospect of joining West Ham. The Irons lack the prestige of many of his other suitors, with an underwhelming start to the season under Julen Lopetegui having failed to improve their status. However, West Ham are thought to be in the mix for Rashford, even if they understand that they are unlikely to be the most persuasive chaser. The arrival of new head coach Graham Potter could be a factor that plays into the Hammers' hands, however, as well as the fact that Rashford wouldn't have to leave the comfort of English football. Rashford will have seen how a loan move to West Ham helped former teammate Jesse Lingard rediscover his lethal streak in 2021. Could it provide the same safe haven for him?

7. Barcelona

Hansi Flick has some stellar options in attack / Sebastian El-Saqqa - firo sportphoto/GettyImages

Marcus Rashford lining up at Barcelona?You'd imagine the Catalan giants wouldn't be able to mastermind such a move, seeing as they can't even register the players they've got because of continued financial mismanagement (Dani Olmo, Pau Victor, we're looking at you, pals).But the noises coming out of Spain are that Barca will go 'all out' to get Rashford to *checks notes* the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys stadium - whether or not they even need him, given they have Lamine Yamal and Raphinha rattling around on the wings, remains to be seen.

6. Como

Cesc Fabregas is Como's head coach / Marco Luzzani/GettyImages

Surprise contenders to secure the loan signing of Rashford are Italian side Como, who were promoted to Serie A for the first time in 21 years ahead of the current campaign. They are currently fighting relegation under manager Cesc Fabregas, with survival far from certain heading into the second half of the term. Rashford would certainly be a large fish in a small pond in Lombardy, especially after his former teammate Raphael Varane retired in September having joined Como in the summer. It would offer guaranteed game time and fewer expectations.However, performing at a high level in a weaker side is its own challenge. Como are averaging just over a goal per game in Serie A and Rashford would face a unique pressure to carry them to safety.

5. Tottenham Hotspur

Rashford would be given attacking freedom at Spurs / Michael Regan/GettyImages

Man Utd are extremely unlikely to loan Rashford to a direct foe - they may well have learned their lesson after sending Jadon Sancho to Chelsea, where the winger is now thriving - but the Red Devils and Tottenham don't share a fierce rivalry.Spurs are in the hunt for reinforcements this winter, with Rashford among those being considered. Tottenham are eager to bolster their forward line - even if their defence is in more desperate need of fresh blood - and Ange Postecoglou would be an alluring coach for most attacking players. Rashford, who has scored six in 17 meetings with Spurs, would be offered plenty of attacking freedom in north London, although he would face strong competition from Son Heung-min for a starting berth on his preferred left flank.

4. Napoli

Rashford could serve as a Khvicha Kvaratskhelia replacement / Ivan Romano/GettyImages

Rashford may well have heard horror stories of Antonio Conte from friends and teammates, but he could have the chance to experience the brutal Italian first hand for the remainder of the campaign. Napoli, who have been led to Serie A's summit under the former Chelsea and Spurs boss, are in the hunt for his signature. Their interest in Rashford could hinge on the future of Georgian superstar Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who is interesting Man Utd and a host of other European clubs. Napoli are finally open to selling the tricky winger and Rashford could hypothetically be used as a bargaining chip in a deal with the Red Devils. However, the fear of playing under such a defensively minded coach may prove a deciding factor in Rashford agreeing to any such switch.

3. Juventus

Juventus need attacking reinforcements / Abdullah Ahmed/GettyImages

Juventus' lack of experience in wide attacking areas has proven an issue for Thiago Motta during his debut campaign in Turin. The Old Lady have been defensively stoic this term but have lacked flair, consistency and a spark at the other end of the pitch. Naturally, they're seeking to remedy that particular issue in January, with Rashford among their targets. Juve's current forward options fail to inspire, with even star striker Dusan Vlahovic struggling to entirely convince the Allianz Stadium faithful. Juve certainly don't lack the prestige that Rashford may desire for his first move away from Old Trafford and he would be an immediate first-choice for the Bianconeri.

2. Borussia Dortmund

Who wouldn't want to play in front of the Dortmund fans? / BSR Agency/GettyImages

Borussia Dortmund have often provided sanctuary for Englishman. Jude Bellingham and Jadon Sancho thrived at Signal Iduna Park, the latter finding form on his return there last season on loan from Man Utd. Even within their current squad, Jamie Gittens is enjoying a fierce campaign. Such tales could serve as inspiration for Rashford, who would be working under exciting young coach Nuri Sahin. Sancho rebuilt his reputation with the Bundesliga giants last season and reached the Champions League final, allowing him to forge a path to west London last summer. Dortmund, a club that prioritise attacking endeavour and boast one of football's finest fanbases, could provide just the refuge Rashford needs on his return to the elite level. Those Bundesliga high lines would be in trouble.

1. AC Milan

Italy seems a probable destination for Rashford / Diogo Cardoso/GettyImages

It may be quicker to name the Italian sides who don't want to sign Rashford this winter, with AC Milan leading the race. They were the first side to make a formal approach to Man Utd, with the recent Supercoppa champions looking to re-energise themselves under new coach Sergio Conceicao. Rashford's representatives have reportedly discussed a potential move with Milan after journeying to Italy, with a loan deal perhaps including an option to buy depending on wage demands. Rashford would meet plenty of familiar faces in Milan as English trio Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori all represent the Rossoneri. That would certainly aid the settling in process. There would be stiff competition for a left wing spot with the tantalising Rafael Leao, but joining the seven-time European champions may prove an offer too good to refuse.