Barcelona sources can’t be talking about the same Marcus Rashford Aston Villa had amid latest £26m news
Marcus Rashford has made a splash at Barcelona since completing his loan move from Manchester United.
Villa signed Rashford on loan in the winter transfer window last season, but decided against activating the winger’s buy option.
The England international enjoyed a strong spell at Villa Park, scoring four goals and providing six assists, but Unai Emery was not convinced enough to part with £40million.
Instead, Villa signed Evann Guessand from OGC Nice in a deal worth around £30m, in what was their biggest expenditure of the summer.
Guessand has failed to impress at Villa so far, but hopes remain that the forward will kick into life once adapted to the Premier League.
Barcelona stunned by Marcus Rashford impact
Rashford bagged a brace against Newcastle United in the Champions League, prompting some feelings of regret among Villa fans.
The winger has looked a player revitalised under Hansi Flick, scoring twice and providing five assists in just nine games for the La Liga champions so far.
The 27-year-old has provided a direct goal contribution in each of his last six appearances, and looks to have taken to Spanish football like a duck to water.
As reported in the Sunday Mirror, page 71, Barcelona believe they have secured a bargain with Rashford.
Manchester United rushed the deal and agreed to a deal that would see the winger available for just £26m next summer, in return for the Spanish giants covering his £300,000-per-week wages.
One source from Barcelona said: “At the top of his game, Rashford is one of the best players in Europe. Barca have got themselves a genuine bargain.
“Marcus should be worth more than £60m in the current market.”
Rashford could not offer same impact to Villa
Rashford’s spell at Villa last season was strong for a number of reasons, but the winger could never quite find the consistency.
Following his first three Premier League appearances, in which the winger would provide three assists, the Englishman would register just two direct goal contributions across the next seven.
| Marcus Rashford (La Liga) | League stats – 2025-26 | Evann Guessand (Premier League) |
| 7 | Appearances | 5 |
| 0.76 | Expected goals (xG) | 0.32 |
| 1.32 | Expected assists (xA) | 0.10 |
| 1.1 | Successful dribbles per game | 1 |
| 1.3 | Ground duels won | 3.8 |
| 0.1 | Fouls won per game | 1 |
Ultimately, Villa felt that £40m would be too costly for the 27-year-old, although decision-makers at Villa Park may now be regretting that decision.
Rashford has been superb for Barcelona, and looks twice the player who featured for Emery’s team last season.
Guessand, on the other hand, has struggled to make his presence felt at Villa so far – although the jury is still out on the winger.
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