Tottenham Hotspur scouts watch on as Maghnes Akliouche impresses on international duty for France.
Tottenham Hotspur scouts watch on as Maghnes Akliouche impresses on international duty for France.
Chelsea look set to challenge Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Marcus Rashford
Marcus Rashford’s future remains uncertain despite his impressive loan spell at Barcelona, with two London clubs now firmly in the picture for his signature.
The 28-year-old forward’s agent and brother, Dwaine Maynard, has reportedly held meetings with Chelsea and Tottenham regarding a potential Premier League return, as Barcelona continue to deliberate over whether to activate their €30m purchase option.
The player who’s genuinely been excellent in Spain, scoring six goals and providing nine assists in 16 matches, making him Barcelona’s top contributor in terms of goal involvement this season. However, the Catalan giants are supposedly having second thoughts about pulling the trigger on what looks like an absolute bargain.
According to Football 365, Barcelona has doubts over whether the fee represents value, with the club potentially preferring to use those funds on a striker instead. Which is genuinely baffling when you consider Rashford’s output and the fact that he’s contributing more than both Lamine Yamal and Fermin Lopez in combined goal contributions.
https://twitter.com/ESPNUK/status/1989377793017143745?s=20
Rashford’s relationship with United boss Ruben Amorim was dead in the water almost immediately after the Portuguese manager arrived in 2024. That led to a January loan move to Aston Villa, where he scored 4 goals and provided six assists in 17 appearances, before Barcelona swooped in the summer.
Now, with Barcelona dragging their feet, Rashford isn’t sitting around waiting. He’s made it clear his preference is to stay at the Camp Nou, but he’s pragmatic enough to explore alternatives rather than waste time if the Catalans decide they don’t fancy it.
Chelsea look set to challenge Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Marcus Rashford.
Both Chelsea and Tottenham have made initial contact to try and convince Rashford to move, though the fit at each club varies considerably.
Spurs make more sense from a tactical perspective. Tottenham’s struggles to find a fitting left-winger this season mean Rashford would slot straight into a glaring gap in their squad.
Can Rashford succeed Son Heung-min at Spurs?
With Son Heung-min departing the club this summer, Rashford gives them the pace, directness and goal threat they’ve been missing down that flank.
What’s certain is that Rashford does not want to return to United. That bridge is well and truly burnt after his public declaration that he was ready for a new challenge back in December 2024.