Villa News Speaking to Bryan King

Thu 20 February 2025 17:40, UK

Unai Emery isn’t thought to be best pleased with Marcus Rashford at Aston Villa.

Rashford made just his first start for Villa in the 2-2 Premier League draw with Liverpool at Villa Park on Wednesday (19 February).

Supporters are clearly excited by the arrival of the Englishman and Marco Asensio.

However, it seems as though the former might already have one eye on the exit door, despite having only just arrived in the West Midlands, which isn’t thought to have gone down well with Emery.

Aston Villa loanee Rashford keen to join Barcelona

According to The Sun (15 February), a source has revealed that Rashford is still keen for Barcelona to sign him from Manchester United in the summer transfer window, despite Villa possessing the option to make his loan transfer permanent for £40million.

While it isn’t a surprise that Rashford would be keen to join Barcelona, ex-Villa scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – thinks he should consider himself lucky that Emery’s side have taken a chance on him.

“I don’t expect Emery will be very happy about this,” King said.

“Aston Villa moved for a player who I think most clubs in England were very sceptical about. Arsenal were looking for a centre-forward, why didn’t they go and get him?

“If Rashford has expressed a desire to play for Barcelona, that is rather foolish. He needs to rebuild himself, both on and off the pitch, at Villa over the next six months. If he thinks he is entitled to something bigger than Villa, he needs to prove that.

“He should consider himself lucky that Villa have given him a chance to prove himself. Emery doesn’t need these distractions, or suggestions that Villa isn’t big enough for Rashford. He should know better and so should his advisors, these statements shouldn’t be coming out.”

Rashford must remain focused at Aston Villa

Rashford wanting to join Barcelona is one thing. However, whether or not he can is another.

The forward has demonstrated plenty of times throughout his career that he can play for Barcelona. However, he hasn’t shown it recently.

Therefore, whether he likes it or not, the 27-year-old needs to make Villa his priority for the next few months.