Newcastle United are in for an interesting summer transfer window.
After a very disappointing season, Eddie Howe needs backing in the market, but there may also be a few outgoings.
In fact, there’s already been a high-profile departure from Newcastle as Anthony Gordon has joined Barcelona for £70m.
This move will have knock-on effects, not only will Newcastle need a replacement, but it also means Marcus Rashford is back in transfer limbo after a year at Barcelona.
Of course, a logical move for Rashford would be to join Newcastle, but by the sounds of it, that deal isn’t on.
Newcastle distance themselves from Marcus Rashford rumours
Newcastle United have reportedly moved to cool speculation linking them with a move for Marcus Rashford, despite what initially appeared to be a natural opening in their squad.
According to The Athletic, Newcastle have distanced themselves from rumours suggesting they could move for the Manchester United forward this summer.
Anthony Gordon’s move to Barcelona has left a major hole on Newcastle’s left flank. Gordon had become one of Eddie Howe’s most important attacking players, and replacing his pace, directness and output was always going to be one of the club’s biggest priorities.
That naturally led to links with Rashford.
The England international spent last season on loan at Barcelona, but his future remains uncertain. With Gordon now arriving at the Camp Nou and effectively taking one of the attacking roles available there, Rashford’s path back to the Spanish giants appears blocked.
At the same time, Manchester United have made little secret of the fact they no longer want Rashford after two loan spells at Villa and Barcelona.
Newcastle may need a winger, but that does not automatically mean they view Rashford as the answer. There are obvious questions around his wages, consistency and whether he would fit the profile Eddie Howe wants to bring into the squad.
Financial considerations are also important.
Even with Gordon’s departure generating a substantial transfer fee, Newcastle remain conscious of financial regulations. Committing huge wages to Rashford would be a major decision, particularly when there may be younger alternatives with more sell-on value available on the market.
As the Gordon sale shows, Newcastle’s plan is best when centred around buying talented players who can later be sold for a profit, and, sadly, at his age and wage demands, Rashford doesn’t have much transfer value beyond this summer.
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