Former England goalkeeper David James has urged Liverpool to make a surprise move for Marcus Rashford from arch-rivals Manchester United
Marcus Rashford is available this summer after Barcelona decided against triggering a £26 million buy option on their loan deal from last season. Former England goalkeeper David James has now urged Liverpool to exploit that availability, backing a move for the Manchester United forward.
Rashford’s positional flexibility—deployable across left and right wing—offers Andoni Iraola an alternative to Yan Diomande’s left-wing specialisation, though at the cost of negotiating with Manchester United rather than a willing seller. Liverpool are seeking a new left-sided winger, with Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig) a reported target that Andoni Iraola approves of. A nine-figure fee presents a major obstacle, however, prompting the club to explore alternatives—a search that has now attracted the attention of former England keeper David James.
James has urged Liverpool to pursue Rashford, 28, after Barcelona opted against a permanent deal.
As per his comments on Goal, the former keeper argued for a strategic move: “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.”
“We saw at Barcelona that when you get Marcus Rashford in a happy place, he’s capable of playing incredible football,” James added. “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.”
What’s next for Marcus Rashford?
With Barcelona’s decision final, Rashford faces multiple suitors for the summer. Bayern Munich are one of the clubs optimistic about a move, and he could be handed a Manchester United lifeline—though the relationship may have fractured before his departure to Aston Villa 18 months ago.
David Ornstein reported that the £40 million release clause does not apply to Manchester City or Liverpool—meaning both clubs would need to negotiate with Manchester United rather than activate a unilateral buyout. If Liverpool pursues Rashford, they face more complex negotiations due to his Manchester United contract and release-clause restrictions, making a deal less likely than the pursuit of Diomande.
