Credit: Imago

Carla Devine

Tue 22 April 2025 11:30, UK

Aston Villa still have plenty to play for this season with a top-five finish and the FA Cup on the line.

Further progression in the Champions League proved to be a step too far for Unai Emery’s men, crashing out against Paris Saint-Germain in the quarter-finals.

Squad depth was a worry at Villa Park, but the winter transfer window saw big-name arrivals immediately thrive for Emery and the Villans.

Gabby Agbonlahor shares Marcus Rashford admission

One of the standout signings for Aston Villa in the winter window was Marcus Rashford, who made the move from Manchester United on loan.

For Rashford, it was a move to save his career, having plummeted at Old Trafford, struggling to get anywhere near the levels expected of him on a regular basis.

As the summer transfer window edges closer, there is plenty of debate over what should happen in the West Midlands as Emery may well need a side who can deal with the increased number of games again.

Rashford is looking set to leave United in the summer, regardless of what happens between now and the end of the campaign on the pitch, but this could leave Villa with a big call to make.

Speaking live on talkSPORT (22 April, 9:08am), when asked if he would retain the services of Rashford, Gabby Agbonlahor admitted: “It’s difficult. Do you know what the problem is? Because he’s been so bad at Manchester United, he had to go on loan and do well, because he’s out on loan, he’s trying to secure somewhere else for the future.

“What happens if Villa offer him that contract and he signs a four-year deal and then he goes into habit, the way he’s done at Manchester United? That’s what worries me a little bit. Maybe he goes into that comfort zone a little bit, and you’re not seeing the tracking back and the energy and the smiling.

“So maybe the wages as well. If you go and give Rashford £300,000 a week, all the best because Kamara’s in for a new contract. If you’re McGinn, if you’re Konsa, all these players are saying my wages need to go up as well.

“Aston Villa are already in trouble with how much they’re paying in wages from their turnover, so there’s a lot of little things that maybe it won’t work out to sign him.”

Aston Villa have to be careful before risking it all for Rashford

There is absolutely no doubt that Rashford has done a brilliant job since he arrived at Villa Park, and he is well deserving of plenty of praise.

However, a permanent deal is a completely different kettle of fish and Agbonlahor is right to be wary about the challenges this throws up.

Ollie Watkins has already expressed his frustration with being the second choice to Rashford in the Champions League, despite getting his side into the position of a quarter-final.

Therefore, if you add increased wages for the loanee on top of this, in order to retain his services, you are surely quickly going to get those who are ready to sign new deals, demanding much higher wages.

The 27-year-old has not shown the signs that he will be able to deliver on a consistent basis if there is nothing to prove, so Villa have to be incredibly careful about how they tread.

If the hierarchy manages to irritate the existing players and Rashford starts to stagnate, Villa could soon find themselves in a sticky position.