Marcus Rashford confirmed his intention to keep playing at the highest level after turning down multiple offers from the Saudi Pro League worth as much as £35 million per year, sources told The Times’ Paul Hirst.
Rashford reportedly resisted the temptation to become one of the game’s highest earners despite stating his willingness to leave Manchester United in an explosive interview in December.
Hirst reports the 27-year-old wants to play for England again, and that he must continue his career in a top European league to remain in contention for a recall. Thomas Tuchel is going on a scouting tour this weekend as he officially begins work as head coach of the English national team.
Rashford was left off Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad. He last appeared for England in a March 2024 friendly against Belgium.
Saudi Arabia seemed like Rashford’s most realistic destination given his sizable salary and United’s £50-million valuation of the player. The Pro League clubs offered more than double his current salary, which stands at £315,000 per week, according to Hirst. Rashford would’ve avoided any income tax as a foreigner in Saudi Arabia.
United would reportedly accept a loan deal in January if the club taking Rashford agrees to pay a fee and cover most of his wages.
Rashford admitted Dec. 17 that he’s “ready for a new challenge,” and that he’d have “no hard feelings” if he left the club he joined as a seven-year-old.
He gave the interview after being dropped from Ruben Amorim’s squad for United’s 2-1 win over Manchester City on Dec. 15. Rashford sat out the following three games before returning to the squad for Monday’s 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea have also been linked with the Manchester native.
He’s scored just seven goals in 23 total appearances this season and has a contract until June 2028.
