Marcus Rashford has made England's World Cup roster after a strong season on loan for Barcelona, but the Manchester United star may have been denied an unpopular Liverpool move
03:57, 17 Jun 2026
Andoni Iraola has already been denied a Liverpool signing
Andoni Iraola has already been denied a Liverpool signing(Image: AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Liverpool is in the market for a new star winger this summer, but head coach Andoni Iraola has already been denied the unlikely signing of Marcus Rashford due to a special clause in his contract.
The departure of Mohamed Salah will force Liverpool to sign a new marquee wide player, with investment also needed elsewhere in the squad. While Liverpool's left side appears bright with Rio Ngumoha impressing, and Cody Gakpo also an option, the right side is the primary offensive focus.
One player who has played across the forward line is Rashford, who is on his way back to Manchester United after a loan spell with Barcelona. Rashford impressed in Spain, but Barcelona has signed Anthony Gordon from Newcastle, leaving Rashford in limbo.
There is a world where United could reintegrate Rashford into the squad, especially with Champions League soccer secured for next season. Rashford wasn't wanted by former head coach Ruben Amorim, but ex-United star Michael Carrick is now in charge.
Carrick has already brought Kobbie Mainoo back into contention, and Rashford could be next, though his future remains uncertain. There was a $35 million release clause in Rashford's contract, but that expired on Monday.
While Rashford still has a $54 million release clause, it prevents two clubs from triggering it. According to The Athletic, those teams are Manchester City and Liverpool.
Marcus Rashford made England's World Cup roster after scoring 13 goals and recording 10 assists for Barcelona
Marcus Rashford made England's World Cup roster after scoring 13 goals and recording 10 assists for Barcelona(Image: 2026 The FA)
Although a move would have been highly unlikely given Liverpool's status as an arch-rival, former Premier League star David James believes Rashford's intelligence is "off the scale" and urged the club to sign him.
"If I were Liverpool, I'd look to sign Marcus Rashford. I really would," James told BetVictor. "Whether he plays on the left or the right isn't the main issue. Get him in first, and then you give it time to work out his best position.
"I think he's an outstanding footballer. His football intelligence is off the scale, and so is his ability. We saw at Barcelona that when you get Marcus Rashford in a happy place, he's capable of playing incredible football.
David James believes that Liverpool should push for Marcus Rashford despite the rivalry
David James believes that Liverpool should push for Marcus Rashford despite the rivalry(Image: BetVictor)
"I can't imagine Liverpool will actually sign him, but football rivalries shouldn't stop clubs from pursuing the best players. Someone like Andoni Iraola is good enough to create an environment where Rashford could thrive."
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So far, the only confirmed Liverpool signing is 20-year-old French defender Jeremy Jacquet, who agreed to a $74 million transfer from Stade Rennais. However, this was agreed under former head coach Arne Slot.
Iraola has also lost Andy Robertson and Ibrahima Konate in addition to Salah. Three key players have left the club for free, affecting Liverpool's budget this summer.
It's expected that another center back will be needed for cover, and a winger is essential. Liverpool has also been hurt in the striker role, with Hugo Ekitike out until the end of the year.