Manchester United Excludes Rivals from Marcus Rashford's £40M Release Clause
Manchester United has reportedly included a specific clause in Marcus Rashford's contract, preventing rivals Manchester City and Liverpool from activating his £40 million release fee. This exemption does not apply to other European clubs, which could still secure the 28-year-old forward this summer. Rashford recently completed a season-long loan at Barcelona, but the Spanish club opted not to sign him permanently, instead bringing in Anthony Gordon. The development coincides with ongoing shifts in Manchester City's attacking squad.
Manchester United has reportedly inserted a clause into Marcus Rashford’s contract that specifically excludes both Manchester City and Liverpool from triggering his £40 million release fee. This provision means that while the clause remains valid for other interested clubs across Europe, neither of United's two major rivals can utilize this mechanism to sign the forward this summer.
Rashford, 28, recently concluded a season-long loan spell at Barcelona. However, the Spanish club ultimately decided against a permanent transfer, opting instead to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United.
The update concerning Rashford's contractual situation arrives as Manchester City's attacking lineup is undergoing a period of transition. Savinho is anticipated to complete a permanent move to Tottenham, and the future of Jack Grealish at the Etihad Stadium appears uncertain, with a departure expected. Omar Marmoush's position is also described as highly uncertain following a season of inconsistent opportunities.
Conversely, several key attacking players are expected to remain with Manchester City. Erling Haaland is set to continue as the team's primary striker, and Jeremy Doku is anticipated to receive a new contract. Rayan Cherki has been identified as a potential long-term successor to Kevin De Bruyne, while Phil Foden is expected to be offered fresh terms. Antoine Semenyo, signed in January, is considered a definite part of Enzo Maresca’s plans.
Manchester City's current recruitment priorities are reportedly focused on strengthening the midfield with targets such as Elliot Anderson and Sandro Tonali, alongside defensive reinforcements including Vitor Reis and a long-term replacement for John Stones. The clause inserted by United is viewed as a measure to prevent strengthening direct rivals rather than a reflection of genuine transfer interest from Manchester City.
According to Yahoo Sports Soccer, this report originated from The Athletic’s David Ornstein.
