Marcus Rashford sets ‘sights’ on new transfer as Aston Villa uncertainty emerges
Aston Villa will soon have to decide on triggering the option to sign Marcus Rashford permanently from Manchester United.
Rashford joined Villa on loan until the end of the season in the winter transfer window after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim at Manchester United, with Unai Emery’s side also given an option to make the move permanent for £40million.
The England international has made a positive start to his life in Birmingham, providing four assists in nine appearances across all competitions so far.
This has led to talk about Villa already triggering the option to extend Rashford’s stay with them beyond this season.
Alex Crook casts doubt over Rashford’s future
However, Alex Crook is uncertain if Aston Villa will actually use that option even if they wanted to sign Rashford permanently.
The talkSPORT journalist insisted that the forward will still be keen on joining a top European club, having held direct talks with Borussia Dortmund before joining Villa in the winter transfer window.
| Matches | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
| 9 | 461′ | – | 4 |
He also suggested that Rashford may seek a move away from Emery’s team even if they qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.
“Rashford, I’m not sure he’s going to end up as a permanent Aston Villa player”, Crook said on talkSPORT (28 March).
“I think he’s always had his sights a little bit higher, he wanted to go and join a top European club, maybe a Barcelona.
“He himself spoke to teams like Borussia Dortmund as well.
“It might depend on if Villa get in the Champions League or not, but I think he would probably still want to go and play for one of those elite European teams.
“It’s whether he can do enough between now and the end of the season to get that move.
“We know the fee is £40m, that’s the option Aston Villa have got. Just not certain they will take it.”
Rashford to prove Crook wrong about Aston Villa move
It is true that Rashford fancied a move to Barcelona before joining Aston Villa in February, but it remains to be seen if that will be the case in the summer.
It is worth noting that it took the Manchester United loanee little time to earn a place in Thomas Tuchel’s first squad as the England manager.
While many fans and pundits have deemed the call-up undeserving, it is a testament to the impact he has made under Emery.
Therefore, the attacker will be aware that continuing with the Villa Park outfit will stand him in good stead for the future and be the most beneficial for his future.
The 40m price tag is certainly not too hefy for Villa, especially if they qualify for Champions League.