David James Urges Liverpool to Sign Marcus Rashford and End 62-Year Man United Transfer Embargo

Former Liverpool and England goalkeeper David James has publicly backed the Merseyside club to pursue Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford this summer, arguing that newly appointed manager Andoni Iraola possesses the qualities necessary to unlock the striker’s considerable potential.

“If I were Liverpool, I’d look to sign Marcus Rashford. I really would… Someone like Andoni Iraola is good enough to create an environment where Rashford could thrive,” James said, in comments that are likely to raise eyebrows on both sides of the historic rivalry.

A transfer of this nature would be historically significant. No player has moved directly between Liverpool and Manchester United since Phil Chisnall completed the journey in 1964 — a gap of 62 years. Despite acknowledging the deep-rooted hostility between the two clubs, James argued that Liverpool’s recruitment team should look past that history to secure what he described as an “outstanding footballer” with “off-the-scale intelligence and ability.”

Rashford’s immediate future remains uncertain following his return to Old Trafford after a season-long loan spell at Barcelona. Under Hansi Flick, the forward played an important role in helping the Catalan side retain the LaLiga title, contributing 14 goals and 10 assists across all competitions — a significant return after a difficult period at Manchester United that had seen his form and confidence visibly decline.

Despite that encouraging campaign in Spain, Barcelona opted against activating the £26 million permanent buy option included in his loan agreement. The club has instead redirected transfer funds toward securing Anthony Gordon. While Barcelona have reportedly expressed continued interest in retaining Rashford on a second loan, Manchester United have rejected those approaches, according to reports.

The situation leaves Rashford at a crossroads. At 28, he enters what should be the peak years of his career but without a clear club destination heading into the summer window. Liverpool, meanwhile, are navigating their own period of transition under Iraola, who was appointed to succeed the departed Arne Slot.

Whether Liverpool’s hierarchy will entertain a move that would break with more than six decades of precedent remains to be seen. The club has not publicly commented on any interest in Rashford. James’s remarks, while notable given his connection to Anfield, represent a personal viewpoint rather than any indication of the club’s official transfer strategy.

With the 2026 summer transfer window now open, Rashford’s situation will be one of the more closely watched storylines in European football, particularly as clubs assess whether his Barcelona loan spell represents a genuine resurgence or a temporary upturn in form.