PSG president unveils plans to poach ‘amazing’ Man Utd attacker after making ‘impossible’ Cristiano Ronaldo admission
Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi has made no secret of their interest in signing the “amazing” Marcus Rashford if he leaves Manchester United.
Rashford is in the final year of his contract with Man Utd, who do nevertheless have the option to extend it by a further 12 months. As things stand, they have not activated their option, since they would prefer to keep him via a longer-term arrangement.
Time is ticking, though, since Rashford could sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club from January. By doing so, he would prevent Man Utd from making a penny from the departure of their academy graduate.
Therefore, Man Utd will need to hurry up with their plans to renew his deal – especially with one European suitor now stepping forward as an interested party.
PSG president Al-Khelaifi has confessed to Sky Sports that the Ligue 1 champions would love to have Rashford in their squad.
After showing an interest in the England international before, PSG would not rule out taking the chance to sign him on a free transfer.
Al-Khelaifi told Sky Sports: “He’s another player that is really amazing. And for free? To have Rashford for free, every club would run after him, definitely.
“We’re not hiding it, we spoke before and… interest. But the moment was not a good moment for both sides. Maybe, summer, why not?
“Today if he’s a free agent of course we can talk to him directly but we are not going to talk to him now. Let him focus on the World Cup. Then after in January, hopefully, if we’re interested we will talk to him.”
Marcus Rashford to PSG more possible than Cristiano Ronaldo
PSG’s interest in Rashford is intriguing given their stance on his now former teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo.
Ronaldo is on the lookout for a new club after his contract with Man Utd was terminated. Al Nassr have made an offer to take him to Saudi Arabia, but for now the Portugal legend is holding out for a European stay.
PSG are one of the few clubs who could in theory afford the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. However, Al-Khelaifi has ruled his club out of contention due to the number of other options they have up front.
Al-Khelaifi said of Ronaldo: “He’s a legend, he’s a star. The footballer, I admire and love him as a player and professional. A fantastic player. 37 now – he’s doing amazing.
“But every single club wants to sign him too. The problem today for us is we have the position [filled] – his position – so it’s not easy to replace the position that we have with him. It would be impossible, honestly, for us.”
PSG’s attack already consists of Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Neymar and Hugo Ekitike. They are currently focusing on a contract extension for Messi, which will be another major commitment after Mbappe’s earlier this year.
The prospect of Messi and Ronaldo – long-time rivals for the Ballon d’Or – playing in the same side as each other would be phenomenal. However, PSG won’t be the ones to make it happen.
As for Rashford, though, there could be a chance of a move to France. Perhaps they see him as a long-term successor to club-record signing, Neymar. After all, the Brazilian – who currently occupies their left-wing role – is 30.
It would be interesting to see how Rashford would compete for a place at Parc des Princes. For now, though, reports have indicated he is giving his priority to a contract renewal with Man Utd.
That should be good news for Erik ten Hag, who has given Rashford 19 appearances this season. In return, the 25-year-old has scored eight goals and provided three assists.
After a difficult 2021-22 season, Rashford has got himself back on track. Having only represented Man Utd in his career to date, it would be fitting to see him continue his career with the club.
PSG are a threat not to be taken lightly, though. Man Utd will have to accelerate their plans once Rashford returns from the World Cup.
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