Rashford transfer latest as Liverpool star trumps him and Newcastle face issue
Marcus Rashford looks to be on the move from Old Trafford this summer after a stellar loan spell at Aston Villa, with the likes of Barcelona and Newcastle being linked with the forward as of late
Marcus Rashford's future at Manchester United remains uncertain for 2025/26 as the summer transfer window reopens. The forward fell out of favour in the Red Devils starting XI when Ruben Amorim arrived at Old Trafford in November after the dismissal of Erik ten Hag.
And as a result, he was sent out on loan to Aston Villa for the second half of the season, writing on Instagram at the time: "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."
While Rashford impressed at Villa Park under the tutelage of Unai Emery - scoring four goals and providing six assists in 17 games - it seems unlikely at present that the club will exercise their £40million option to buy him permanently. As a result, Rashford is set to return to Old Trafford, although it is unlikely that he will work his way back into the team under Amorim.
As he is under contract until 2028, the price will ultimately have to be right for Rashford to be given permission to leave the Red Devils. With an interesting summer transfer window in full effect, here's the latest on Rashford's situation - including all of the teams that he has been linked with a move to ahead of 2025/26...
Aston Villa unlikely to sign Rashford
While Villa hold a £40m option to buy Rashford after his loan spell, they do not hold first refusal on him should another club come and match that offer. Meanwhile, with Rashford looking to find his way back into the England squad under Thomas Tuchel, he will hope to play Champions League football in 2025/26 - something he will not be able to do with the Villains, and as a result, he may choose to give other elite clubs priority.
Meanwhile at the end of the season, Rashford took to Instagram to write a heart-felt message which came across as more of a farewell than an 'I'll see you again 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 it has been reported that Rashford is currently holding out hope for a move to Barcelona, the likelihood of a transfer coming to fruition seems to be getting slimmer by the day. The English international has already reportedly announced that he's willing to take a pay cut from his current £350,000-per-week deal to play for the Catalan giants, however, it appears as though Barca have had their heads turned by other players elsewhere.
It is understood that Barcelona's sporting director, Deco, recently made his way to meet with Athletic Club's Nico Williams after holding talks with the left-winger's agent. It is said that the 22-year-old Spaniard is keen on joining the La Liga giants this summer, and Barca could utilise a relatively cheap £48.1m release clause to secure the star.
With five goals and five assists this season, Williams has proven himself at the highest level of Spanish football - but Barcelona have been warned that they will have to sell players to get a deal over the line due to financial stipulations. La Liga president Javier Tebas recently said of the club: "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."
Elsewhere, it is said that Barcelona are also interested in acquiring the services of Liverpool sensation Luis Diaz, who scored 13 goals and provided seven assists this season to excel in the Premier League. However, with a valuation of around £59m at present according to Transfermarkt, a deal may come as a little too rich for Deco's liking.
With regards to Rashford, it is reported that Barcelona would be looking to secure a loan with an option to buy, but if United are only looking for an immediate permanent transfer, he may need to reassess his options.
Newcastle United offer Rashford an escape
While Newcastle United are currently content with Alexander Isak up top, it is reported that the Magpies are willing to table an offer to save Rashford from his current tribulations in the north west, as Eddie Howe sees him as the perfect player to rotate with the £160m Swedish star.
Newcastle are reportedly prepared to shell out as much as £40m to secure Rashford this summer, but it is said that he is likely to reject any advances from the Tyneside-based team as he continues to hold out for a move to Barca. Given that Newcastle managed a fourth-place finish in the Premier League this season, the side will once again compete in the Champions League in 2025/26 - something that may help turn the head of Rashford ever so slightly.
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