Latest developments
- Marcus Rashford could be heading to Saudi Arabia.
- Any Saudi club is third in the betting behind PSG and staying at Man Utd.
- Rashford could link up with former United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (2/5): Bookies hedging bets
Marcus Rashford could be reuniting with former Manchester United teammate Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia, with “Any Saudi Arabian club” the third favourite in the betting market, at 11/2 on bet365, behind a move to PSG and staying at Old Trafford.
No specific Saudi club named suggests there is nothing concrete as of yet, and a move to the Saudi Pro League is always going to come up when discussing players said to be past their prime.
Value (3.5/5): No issue for Saudi sides
Since being frozen out by Ruben Amorim, Rashford's market value has dropped £45.5 million and as he's been shown the door by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, he might be allowed to leave for less.
Ronaldo's side Al-Nassr, or some of the other big Saudi names such as Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad, would have no issue affording a fee in that region.
Suitability (4/5): He can adapt to any side
It's difficult to judge when we don't no the potential buying club, but as a left-winger who can also play at centre-forward, Rashford should be able to play to his full potential in a weaker league, where he can find a role no matter what system is used.
Upgrade? (4/5): Raising the league's standards
In CR7, Neymar, Ivan Toney, Aleksandar Mitrovic and many others, the SPL already has a whole host of excellent players in Rashford's positions.
However, he is still clearly well above the average player in the league and, at still just 27, has plenty of time to show what he is capable of.
Logic 2/5: The right new challenge?
Rashford and United are in agreement that it's time for a new challenge for the local lad. But would a Saudi move be enough for him at this stage in his career?
PSG are still the favourites for his signature, and a big club challenging for European honours away from the Premier League spotlight should be Rashford's favourites too.
Whisper+ verdict: 15.5/25
Things might change if a named Saudi club makes a move, but for now we agree with the bookies and make the PSG rumour our favourite to go the distance.
