King reacts as Man Utd forward ready to accept wage cut to join Tottenham this summer
Marcus Rashford’s potential move to Tottenham Hotspur presents one of the summer’s most intriguing transfer conundrums.
The Manchester United forward, currently in career limbo after an underwhelming loan spell at Aston Villa, finds himself at a crossroads—and Spurs must now decide whether to offer him an escape route or steer clear of what could prove an expensive mistake.
Reports indicate Rashford is prepared to take a significant wage cut to facilitate a move away from Old Trafford, with his current £300,000-per-week salary proving a major stumbling block for interested clubs.
Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy would likely demand at least a 50% reduction, aligning any potential deal with the club’s wage structure that sees captain Son Heung-min earn just under £200,000 weekly.
While this financial flexibility makes a transfer theoretically possible, former Spurs scout Bryan King has voiced serious reservations about pursuing the England international.
“United don’t want him, Villa aren’t pushing to keep him—that should tell us something,” King told Tottenham News. “If Rashford was truly worth signing, there wouldn’t be this hesitation from clubs who’ve worked with him recently.”
His concerns echo broader questions about Rashford’s consistency and motivation after several seasons of fluctuating form.
The risks for Tottenham are substantial. Committing even a reduced salary to a player who has struggled for confidence and fitness could divert resources from more reliable targets.
Moreover, Rashford’s arrival might stunt the development of younger forwards like Mathys Tel, recently signed to bolster Spurs’ attacking options.
With Thomas Frank implementing a new system at Tottenham, integrating a high-profile reclamation project could prove more disruptive than beneficial.
Yet the potential rewards are equally compelling. At his best, Rashford remains one of England’s most dynamic forwards—a player capable of single-handedly changing games with his pace and direct running.
His experience and trophy-winning pedigree could provide valuable leadership in a squad transitioning to Champions League football.
The dilemma for Spurs lies in determining whether they’d be acquiring the Rashford of 2020-21 (21 goals in all competitions) or the shadow that has struggled to recapture that form since.
Tottenham’s decision may ultimately come down to structure versus gamble. With Levy historically favoring calculated investments over emotional ones, and Frank needing players who can immediately execute his tactical vision, Rashford’s inconsistency makes him a questionable fit.
While the romantic appeal of reviving a fallen star is undeniable, the pragmatic choice might be to let this particular opportunity pass—unless United become desperate enough to accept a heavily incentivized deal that truly minimizes Spurs’ risk.
As the summer window progresses, Rashford’s situation will serve as a litmus test for Tottenham’s recruitment strategy under their new regime.
Will they back Frank’s ability to rejuvenate talents, or prioritize safer bets? The answer could define their season before a ball is kicked.