Preston North End v Aston Villa - Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final
Marcus Rashford is unlikely to remain with Aston Villa after his loan spell (Picture: Getty Images)
Manchester United want £40m for Marcus Rashford and the striker wants to join a Champions League club, so where will he be playing his football next season?
The 27-year-old spent the second half of this season on loan at Aston Villa after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.
The loan spell saw him score two goals in 10 Premier League appearances and four in 17 across all competitions.
There were some exciting and encouraging moments without the England international sparking fully back into life under Unai Emery, not helped by a hamstring injury that ended his campaign early.
The season also ended in disappointment for Villa as Rashford could only watch on against his parent club, with Manchester United beating the Villains 2-0 on the final day of the season.
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That result cost Emery’s side Champions League football and they will have to make do with the Europa League for the next campaign.
Writing on Instagram the morning after the defeat at Old Trafford, Rashford posted: ‘Just a message of thanks to everyone here at Villa for what has (injury aside) been an incredible few months for me.
Aston Villa v Cardiff City - Emirates FA Cup Fifth Round
Rashford scored four goals on his loan spell with Aston Villa (Picture: Getty Images)
‘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. [love heart emoji]’
That message seemed to suggest a return to Villa Park was unlikely and the bookmakers agree, with a move to Barcelona now the clear favourite for Rashford.
Marcus Rashford next club odds
Marcus Rashford club on 03/09/2025
6/5 Barcelona
5/1 Man Utd
6/1 Any Saudi Arabian Team
9/1 Aston Villa
16/1 PSG
16/1 Arsenal
16/1 Atletico Madrid
16/1 AC Milan
16/1 Juventus
16/1 Borussia Dortmund
18/1 Chelsea
25/1 Tottenham
25/1 Newcastle
25/1 Napoli
25/1 Galatasaray
25/1 Fenerbahce
33/1 Real Madrid
33/1 Bayern Munich
Odds courtesy of bet365
Both player and club are reportedly keen to make the move happen, with Rashford open to taking a significant pay-cut from his current Manchester United wages of around £350,000-a-week.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was asked about interest in the 62-cap England international, along with links to Liverpool winger Luis Diaz.
‘They are both fantastic players. I like them and we’ll see what happens,’ the German told reporters.
Barcelona’s sporting director Deco made similar comments, telling RAC1: ‘We like Luis and we like Rashford. However, we can’t talk about players who are under contract.
‘For me, it’s much more important to improve what we have at home.’
Manchester United v FK Bodo/Glimt - UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5
Ruben Amorim and Marcus Rashford could still work together at Man Utd (Picture: Getty Images)
The Sun report that Rashford will hold out for a Champions League club as long as possible, which restricts his options significantly.
The bookmakers do not see too many likely other options currently, with a stay at Manchester United second favourite in the betting for Rashford’s club beyond September 3.
That would be a blow for the Red Devils who are keen to get his wages off the books and bring in a transfer fee to help a huge overhaul of the squad this summer.
A move to a Saudi Arabian team is also considered an option, although would obviously not meet the forward’s Champions League criteria, while a return to Villa is not off the table but is also not considered likely.
The likes of PSG, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid and AC Milan are not too far down the betting list, but are speculative shouts at best.
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