A completely different story has unfolded in the media transfer world concerning Marcus Rashford, Liverpool F.C., and Manchester United F.C. While an ‘agreement reached’ was mainly in the air, Rashford’s next destination could very well be the one to disrupt Liverpool’s plan.
The Rumour
First of all, the Liverpool side was said to be very actively engaged in the talks about offensive players. However, lately most of the attention has been drawn to Rashford who is probably breaking a routine silent club announcement process of the Merseyside club. As per one source, Liverpool might be of great help to Manchester United if they decide to part ways by clearing one road in the deal.
The story’s main point was: “Liverpool could be the one to hold out the rope to help Manchester United face the Barcelona-Marcus Rashford big deal”. The concept behind this is that Rashford would be loaned out to FC Barcelona from Manchester United, where there would be an option to buy.
What actually is the truth though?
Here are the points they covered:
1. Manchester United have put Rashford on the transfer list. He was loaned to another club for part of the last season.
2. Barcelona are on the verge of signing him on loan, and along with that, an option to make the deal permanent is agreed.
3. Liverpool can help (either on purpose or by coincidence) since by going after their intended players, they clear a Barcelona path that was previously blocked. To sum up: the activities of Liverpool facilitate the Rashford transition indirectly.
4. The “agreement reached” phrase is being employed in social media and club-forums to indicate that a deal for someone (or something) is done, but the particulars are still uncertain.
Why is it of such importance for Liverpool?
Because Rashford’s transfer impacts the market, if it happens. In case United get the green light to sell or loan him, that will mean Liverpool’s competitors will be able to strengthen their financial situation or reshuffle their squad. Moreover, it also signifies that the Liverpool football club might have to engage in their own business to respond. They would have to switch their plans to different players.
In the case of Liverpool, they are required to stay vigilant. They must make the choice: will they get involved in the Rashford story? Or will they concentrate on their target players and let United and Barcelona work it out? The clever point is: keep your attention on what is in your control. Don’t allow others to involve you in their deal unless it benefits you strategically.
Another point worth mentioning
Although “agreement reached” gives an impression of conclusiveness, football transfers are seldom that straightforward. Things like medicals, contracts, buy-options, wage demands, and timing are still crucial. Even when clubs declare “done deal”, there is still room for change. So, from Liverpool’s point of view, the message is: “stay tuned”.
Summary
One of the main characters of a move that has the effects extending beyond the immediate clubs is Marcus Rashford. Liverpool’s transfer work may be impacted by getting a spanner in the works—not because they are doing something wrong, but because the dynamics around Rashford are shifting.
The case is that if he ends up going to Barcelona (via United), the whole market reshapes. And Liverpool, by just sitting back, can find themselves in a situation. Whereby their own targets are either difficult to accomplish or are priced higher without their knowledge.
Author’s Insight
It is crucial for us to be vigilant as regards the official declarations. The “agreement reached” label may indicate that issues have been mostly resolved—but it is still not the same as a signature. From Liverpool’s standpoint, the most sensible tactic is to have contingency plans lined up. The market is not going to wait for anyone.
