Marcus Rashford has left the door open to return to Aston Villa this summer.
The England international spent the second half of the 2024/25 season on loan at Aston Villa.
Emery wanted to keep him, but the forward decided to join Barcelona on loan in July 2025.
Rashford finished the season with 14 goals and 14 assists from 49 matches, and won La Liga.
Hansi Flick’s side had a €30m purchase clause valid until June 15th. Having decided not to activate it, the player has to return to Old Trafford.
Aston Villa manager can be key
Friday’s edition of Sport points out Marcus Rashford wanted to take a pay cut to continue at the Camp Nou. His reduced salary plus the €30m fee would have made it financially difficult for Barcelona.
Despite the latest developments, the 28-year-old still maintains hope of returning to the Spanish club.
Last month, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that Manchester United will refuse to sanction another loan and would favour selling him to Aston Villa.
The Red Devils are clear that he has no future at the club and will only leave via a sale. The attacker, however, still wants Barcelona and this could favour them if there are no movements in the final weeks of the window.
Sport believes Michael Carrick’s side could change their stance if Rashford doesn’t move before the end of July or August.
In short, he’s stubborn and wants to play for Barcelona next season.
The newspaper states: ‘Only one thing could make him change his plans’ and that would be a call from Unai Emery.
The player had a good time under the Spaniard at Villa Park and wouldn’t close the door on the Villans.
As of now, the Europa League winners or Emery haven’t made advances, and the former will only consider signing him without a transfer fee.
Aston Villa’s conflicting stance
Sport’s latest claim contradicts last week’s report from Spain that Aston Villa are willing to pay a reasonable price for Marcus Rashford.
Either way, it won’t matter until Unai Emery, or his side were to take the first step this summer.
If that were to happen, the Englishman could end his Barcelona dream and consider a move to Villa Park.
🇮🇹 Martin Baturina | Aston Villa and Manchester United have interest in Croatia star ➡️ Leeds United have also triedhttps://t.co/MHbInbCYVG #avfc #mufc #lufc
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) June 18, 2026