Manchester United star Marcus Rashford must take a salary cut to complete permanent Aston Villa switch.
Marcus Rashford;s potential permanent move to Aston Villa may hinge on one crucial condition — a significant reduction in his weekly wages. According to Football Insider, Villa would need to commit around £130 million over five years to cover both the £40 million transfer fee and his current £350,000-per-week salary, a figure that would shatter the club’s existing wage structure.
While the England international remains on loan at Villa Park from Manchester United, where his future is increasingly uncertain, talks of a long-term stay are growing louder. Unai Emery’s side negotiated an option to buy the 27-year-old, and while Rashford is said to be open to the idea of staying, the financials must align. For that to happen, the player will need to accept a more modest salary than he’s used to at Old Trafford.
Spreading the cost and weighing the options
To navigate the financial complexities, Aston Villa may adopt a tactic seen at clubs like Chelsea and Manchester City, handing out extended contracts to spread the wage cost across more years. Such a deal could keep Rashford in claret and blue while keeping the books balanced.
So far, Marcus Rashford’s short spell in the Midlands has made a positive impression. He bagged a brace in the FA Cup quarter-final against Preston North End and has notched four assists in ten appearances. Villa are covering most of his salary during this loan stint, and Rashford has flourished under Emery’s system, showing signs of the form that once made him untouchable at United.
Still, Emery has remained coy on the future, stressing that the club must stay focused on the ongoing campaign rather than speculating about summer moves. That said, behind the scenes, Villa are weighing up their options carefully.
A parting of the ways with Marcus Rashford on the cards?
Meanwhile, Manchester United appear to be moving on. The Red Devils have their eye on several potential replacements for Rashford, with Hugo Ekitike currently leading the list. Manchester United are also reportedly tracking the likes of Harry Kane, Viktor Gyokeres, and Jean-Philippe Mateta, all of whom could fill the attacking void if Rashford leaves permanently.
The writing seems to be on the wall for Rashford at Old Trafford. Once a key figure, the forward now finds himself at a crossroads. If he is serious about restarting his career and becoming a regular starter again, a permanent switch to Villa could be ideal, but only if he’s willing to compromise on wages.
Rashford has reached a pivotal moment in his career. While his talent is undisputed, his trajectory at Manchester United has stalled. A permanent move to Aston Villa, where he can be a central figure under a manager like Unai Emery, could rejuvenate his form and confidence. However, football is not just about the game, it’s about balance, both on the pitch and on the payroll.
If Rashford is truly focused on playing week in, week out, he should strongly consider a pay cut. In the end, regular football and a chance to lead the line at a top Premier League club may prove more rewarding than a paycheck he no longer earns the minutes for.