Marcus Rashford's career at Manchester United is expected to end for good following his return from a loan spell at Aston Villa, and he has since been linked with the likes of Newcastle and Barcelona
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Marcus Rashford warms up on the sidelines
Marcus Rashford might be on the move this summer
(Image: PA)
Marcus Rashford's fate ahead of the 2025/26 season remains up in the air as transfer speculation surrounding the Manchester United forward ramps up with the summer window open.
The Red Devils ace found himself sidelined from United's first team not long after Ruben Amorim took charge following Erik ten Hag's sacking in October. Consequently, Rashford spent the second half of the season on loan at Aston Villa.
Taking to Instagram at the time of his temporary departure from the north west, he wrote: "I would like to thank Manchester United and Aston Villa for making this loan deal happen. I was lucky to have a few clubs approach me but Aston Villa was an easy decision - I really admire the way that Aston Villa have been playing this season, and the manager's ambitions.
"I just want to play football and am excited to get started. I wish everyone at Manchester United all the best for the rest of the season."
Rashford's stint at Villa Park proved fruitful under manager Unai Emery, netting four goals and laying off six assists in 17 appearances – yet it is uncertain if Villa will trigger their £40million purchase option. As a result, the England international is in limbo at Old Trafford, and a first-team revival under Amorim appears very doubtful despite being under contract until 2028.
As the summer transfer window heats up, here's the latest on Rashford's situation – including all of the teams he has been linked with ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Aston Villa unlikely to sign Rashford
Despite having a £40m option to buy Rashford after his loan spell, Villa do not have first refusal if another club matches that offer. With Rashford aiming to return to the England squad under Thomas Tuchel, he hopes to play Champions League football in 2025/26 – something he won't be able to do at Villa Park, and as such, he may prioritise other top-tier clubs.
Marcus Rashford of Aston Villa looks on
Marcus Rashford seemingly has no future with Manchester United
At the end of the season, meanwhile, Rashford posted a heartfelt message on Instagram that seemed more like a goodbye than a 'see you soon.' He wrote: "Just a message of thanks to everyone here at Villa for what has (injury aside) been an incredible few months for me.
"It is a really special club and I appreciated the way Villa fans embraced me with open arms from 1st minute on the pitch. Manager, team, and coaching staff have all been brilliant. I know it is a huge disappointment not to have made the Champions League place which everyone worked so hard all season for but I know this club and team will come back stronger."
Barcelona prefer other options
While Rashford reportedly harbours hopes of a move to Barcelona, his chances seem to dwindle by the day despite reportedly being prepared to slash his £350,000 weekly wage to strike a deal, as reported by the Mirror. Nonetheless, Barcelona seems distracted by other prospects, with recent developments indicating that Rashford isn't their primary target.
Athletic Club's Nico Williams has seemingly caught Barca's eye, with sporting director Deco personally meeting with the talent. The promising 22-year-old, who could be snapped up for a modest £48.1m due to a release clause, may soon grace Camp Nou if Barcelona can resolve their financial constraints.
Nico Williams looks on during a match
Barcelona are keen on signing Nico Williams(Image: PA)
With a tally of five goals and assists each this term, Williams continues to impress in La Liga, yet league president Javier Tebas cautioned Barcelona about their spending limits, saying: "They don't yet meet the requirements to sign freely, they can't sign yet under the 1:1 rule. If they want Nico, they will have to sell and adjust their accounts a lot."
Barcelona are also reportedly keen on Liverpool's Luis Diaz, who has had an impressive season with 13 goals and seven assists in the Premier League. However, his current market value of around £59m, as per Transfermarkt, might be a bit steep for Deco.
As for Rashford, Barcelona are said to be interested in a loan deal with an option to buy. If Manchester United insist on an immediate permanent transfer, he may need to reconsider his options.
Newcastle could provide way out for Rashford
Despite, of course, being satisfied with Alexander Isak leading their attack, Newcastle United are reportedly ready to make an offer for Rashford. Manager Eddie Howe sees him as an ideal rotation option with the £160m-rated Swedish striker.
Eddie Howe returns to the dugout
Eddie Howe is apparently keen on rashford(Image: PA)
The Magpies are believed to be willing to spend up to £40m to secure Rashford this summer. However, it is suggested that he is likely to turn down any approach from the Tyneside club as he holds out for a move to Barcelona.
With Newcastle finishing fifth in the Premier League this season and set to compete in the Champions League in 2025/26, this could yet potentially sway Rashford's decision.