Liverpool are in the market for a winger this summer, and Marcus Rashford is available, but a deal is practically impossible due to a contract clause and a 60-year-old reason.
David James backs Rashford move
Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James believes the club should set aside historic rivalry and sign Marcus Rashford from Manchester United this summer. Rashford, 28, spent last season on loan at Barcelona, where he won LaLiga with eight league goals. However, Barcelona opted not to trigger a £26m buy-option that expired on June 15, leaving his future uncertain.
United are keen to offload their academy graduate, and Rashford is reportedly still hoping to return to Barcelona if a deal can be arranged. But James thinks Liverpool could benefit from his signing, especially after Mohamed Salah's departure.
Speaking to BetVictor, James said: "If I were Liverpool, I'd look to sign Marcus Rashford. I really would. 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."
James added: "We saw at Barcelona that when you get Marcus Rashford in a happy place, he's capable of playing incredible football. 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."
Why the move is almost impossible
Despite James's enthusiasm, two major obstacles stand in the way. First, a clause in Rashford's United contract states that the club will listen to offers from any team triggering a £40m bid, except Liverpool and Manchester City. Second, there is an unspoken agreement between United and Liverpool that has prevented direct player transfers for over 60 years.
The last player to move directly between the two clubs was Phil Chisnall, who transferred from Manchester to Merseyside in April 1964 for £25,000, a deal agreed by Sir Matt Busby and Bill Shankly. Given these factors, a Rashford move to Liverpool remains highly unlikely.
