Saudi Pro League release statement as Marcus Rashford included in ‘elite’ transfer list

The Saudi Pro League have released a statement about the January transfer window after included Manchester United star Marcus Rashford in an ‘elite’ list of targets.

Marcus Rashford’s exit from Manchester United is looking even more likely following his recent interview after Ruben Amorim dropped him from the squad that beat Manchester City.

The club’s no.10 confirmed that he is open to a ‘new challenge’ when asked about his Old Trafford future by Henry Winter this week.

“For me, personally, I think I’m ready for a new challenge and the next steps,” he admitted.

“When I leave it’s going to be ‘no hard feelings’. You’re not going to have any negative comments from me about Manchester United. That’s me as a person.”

Following on from that, Rashford was dropped for games against Tottenham Hotspur, Bournemouth and Wolves, before he returned to the bench in the 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United on Monday evening.

However, he was an unused substitute on the night despite the Reds having failed to score in their last three outings, showcasing the likelihood of an exit.

Rashford on Saudi Pro League ‘elite’ transfer list

It is unknown where the 27-year-old will end up moving to, with many clubs unable to match United’s price tag and the player’s wages.

Paris Saint-Germain, who have previously been interested in Rashford, have reportedly distanced themselves from any deal for the winger.

Many transfers in recent windows have been solved through the growing Saudi Pro League, a division that currently has stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Riyad Mahrez and Ivan Toney.

It has been reported by the Telegraph that Rashford has been placed on a list of elite targets for the Saudi Pro League. The list also includes Mo Salah and Kevin De Bruyne.

However, the report also clarified that any Saudi clubs would need to sell before they can even try and attempt to sign Rashford in the January window, which would complicate any deal.

Saudi Pro League statement

On Monday, the SPL confirmed that all of the clubs in their division were at the maximum quota of eight foreign players over the age of 21.

Teams would be required to “terminate contracts, sell players, or deregister squad members” in order to add new players in the January transfer window, the League explained.

A statement read: “The SPL will work closely with clubs and the Financial Sustainability Committee to ensure compliance with league policies and regulations.”

Read More: Jobe Bellingham’s stance on summer transfer revealed amid Man Utd interest

It remains to be seen whether Rashford would even be open to a move to Saudi Arabia himself, with ambitions of reviving his England career under Thomas Tuchel.

But it also appears that a move could be just as complicated as many European clubs are finding.

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