Credit: Imago

Josh Edwards

Sun 4 May 2025 10:15, UK

Marcus Rashford’s future as an Aston Villa player is under serious doubt ahead of the summer window.

Champions League qualification is all that remains on the line for Aston Villa after their FA Cup defeat to Crystal Palace last month.

After narrowly missing out on a place in the Champions League semi-finals against PSG, Unai Emery will be keen to keep all focus on the pitch, though there will be work ongoing behind the scenes at Villa Park as preparations slowly begin for the summer transfer window.

With that in mind, Villa will have a decision to make on the future of Rashford, but with a striker from Portugal linked, it seems as though a decision may have been made.

Villa unlikely to trigger Rashford deal as Porto striker eyed

Rashford’s move to Aston Villa has been mixed, but according to a report from The Sun (3 May), the Villans are unlikely to trigger the deal to make it permanent, given the financial obstacle.

Emery’s side would have to fork out an overall outlay of £100million to sign the Englishman, including wages and fee, making it unlikely to come to fruition.

However, Villa have been linked with a move for Porto striker Samu Aghehowa – formerly known as Samu Omorodion, and the Portuguese outfit may have to accept an offer in excess of £50m.

Aghehowa was previously on the verge of signing for Chelsea before the move broke down, and with Porto now unable to qualify for the Champions League, they may be unable to resist offers.

Emery must be backed again this summer

Villa have come so close to success this season, but fallen so harshly at the final hurdle, and with the addition of a few players of serious quality, that could be a different story next season.

Emery has a brilliant squad at Villa Park, but one or two key components are missing that could turn it into a side capable of winning trophies.

Focus for now will be on the final few games of the Premier League season, though work will be ongoing behind the scenes.