Max Wilkins

Thu 28 May 2026 12:13, UK

Aston Villa could have the perfect opportunity to bring in Marcus Rashford this summer.

The England international was well regarded throughout his six-month loan spell at Villa Park, even after missing the final weeks of the season through injury.

That ultimately helped him to seal a dream move to Barcelona last summer as he stayed away from Manchester United.

Things have certainly gone well at Camp Nou, but it appears that other transfer priorities are on the table for the Catalan giants right now.

Villa could now set their sights on Rashford as finances become less of a problem in LaLiga ahead of a busy summer.

Barcelona ready transfer spending spree after financial rule change

The 28-year-old is coming off the back of an excellent campaign in Spain, where he played a key role in winning a league title.

His goal and assist output was stellar and has certainly proved exactly how good he can be when given the chance to shine.

There is a reported £26million buy option included in his loan deal with Man United, which expires on 15 June, but it doesn’t look as if it will be activated.

That is due to Barca’s pursuit of signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United in a deal worth upwards of £70m.

Julian Alvarez also continues to be linked with Camp Nou, as the Catalans reap the benefit of a change to the 1:1 rule of financial fair play.

🚨💣 BREAKING: Anthony Gordon to Barcelona, here we go! Official bid accepted now by Newcastle board and Saudi owners.

€70m fixed fee plus add-ons to bring final package over €80m for #NUFC.

Gordon set to travel this week for medical and contract signing at FCB. 🔵🔴✈️ pic.twitter.com/TM1AORaeqz

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 27, 2026

They declare that every penny earned through player sales or wage reductions can be reinvested in new transfers, opening the door to more expensive signings than in recent years.

That could see them steer clear of a bargain deal for Rashford and allow Villa to step in and sign the forward ahead of the new campaign.

How could Aston Villa sign Rashford?

The irony of all this is that Barcelona may still sign the loanee permanently this summer.

Bringing him in for £26m feels like a no-brainer, but a sale could be on the cards to make an instant profit within the same transfer window.

🚨 Marcus Rashford deal, still on with talks underway behind the scenes.

Rashford wants to stay at Barça and terms are agreed since March.

Man United insist on €30m buy option clause to be paid in full, Barcelona insist to find another solution.

🎥 https://t.co/bC0kw9P0NI pic.twitter.com/wJg372jbnF

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 20, 2026

The Villans could step in and allow Barca to do exactly that by bringing him to Villa Park after his move to Camp Nou is sealed.

That would benefit them with their 1:1 rules and allow them to pour more money into the transfer market and potentially help do a deal for Alvarez with Atletico Madrid.

It would also seek to benefit Villa as they get to bring in a top player in Rashford who has already made it clear just how good he can be in claret and blue.