Suraj Radia
Marcus Rashford, Man Utd
© IMAGO
Ruben Amorim has reportedly already identified his ideal replacement for Marcus Rashford, with Manchester United ‘taking the lead’ over their rivals by submitting a formal offer for a highly-coveted forward.
Rashford confirmed this week that he is ready to leave United for a new challenge following reports that United were looking to cash in on their academy graduate.
The 27-year-old is among United’s highest earners and still has more than three years remaining on his contract, causing doubts over whether the club will actually be able to move Rashford on without a serious compromise on fee or his wage.
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In spite of the concerns, United feel that finding a top replacement for Rashford is imperative to the operation and Catalan outlet El Nacional" href="https://www.elnacional.cat/es/deportes/amorim-apunta-laliga-fichar-recambio-rashford-en-united_1333696_102.html" target="_blank"> El Nacional report that Nico Williams is considered the ‘perfect profile’ by the club.
Williams has a release clause of €58 million in his contract with Athletic Bilbao and the 22-year-old is likely to leave the Spanish side, having turned down an exit during the summer.
United are said to feel that signing Williams would help elevate the club back to being the ‘protagonists of Europe’, although they will likely face competition from teams such as Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona for his signature.
Nico Williams could be on the move next summer.
© IMAGO - Nico Williams could be on the move next summer.
United ‘confident’ of securing ‘key piece’ to Amorim project
Williams was a standout performer for Spain at Euro 2024 and the winger has continued his form into this season, helping Bilbao push for Champions League qualification in La Liga.
Amorim is believed to see Williams as a ‘key piece’ if Rashford is sold, although PSG also view the Spaniard as the ‘perfect compliment’ to their attack, while Arsenal have also held a long-term interest in the Bilbao star.
United are ‘confident’ that the attractiveness of their project under Amorim, combined with the financial package they can offer would convince Williams of a move.
Although the report claims that United have already submitted a formal offer for Williams, the Premier League giants would be unlikely to push for a move unless an exit route for Rashford is found.