Marcus Rashford is hoping his impressive Aston Villa spell will land his dream move to Barcelona, according to TalkSport.
Having been frozen out of the Man United fold by Ruben Amorim, Rashford joined Villa on loan in January with a point to prove. Three goals and five assists across fifteen appearances in all competition suggests he is moving in the right direction, and the player will be hoping his displays will put him firmly in the shop window this summer.
The 27-year-old won’t be short of suitors, having been heavily linked to his Champions League opponent PSG, whom he impressed against on Tuesday night, as well as Barcelona, amongst others.
This includes Villa, who have the option to pay £40m to make his loan permanent. Reports suggest that the latter is unlikely as it would entail Rashford taking a permanent pay cut, and with the player unlikely to return to United, let’s look at some realistic landing spots for the player should his dream move fail to come to fruition.
Home Comforts
While United rivals Man City and Liverpool are not likely options, Rashford may still fancy a stay in England. His wages and Champions League ambitions will naturally rule out the majority of the remaining Premier League clubs but a few remain viable options.
Arsenal
Arteta’s style of play would suit Rashford, with his pace and trickery on the counter attack.
Arsenal thrive on creating overloads in transition and many believe a top form Rashford would provide an upgrade to Gabriel Martinelli at left wing. Report suggest Arteta is particularly keen on attackers who can play any position across the front line and Rashford has played his fair share of minutes as a number 9.
Arsenal will match Rashford’s ambitions, having qualified for the semi-finals of the Champions League this season and narrowly missing out on Premier League glory the past two consecutive seasons. The Gunners are set for a major reload this summer, and although Rashford won’t be high on the wish list, this is a link to keep one eye on.
Newcastle
A resurgent Newcastle could provide a landing spot for Rashford, with Eddie Howe’s men fighting for their place in the top four. Any move for Rashford or any high profile target would be highly contingent on accomplishing a Champions League birth, but should they manage to do so Rashford could be a good fit for both parties.
He would provide competition and cover for both Anthony Gordon on the left and Alexander Isak up front, with the future of Calum Wilson uncertain. The Magpies’ last foray in the Champions League hindered their league campaign, as they lacked depth to cope with the rigours of a heavy schedule. They will be hoping to put that right this time around with some more quality signings. Rashford would tick the boxes and wouldn’t break the bank.
Nottingham Forest
Another emerging top four contender, Forest are this seasons surprise package. They will be lower on the list than the previous two due to wage structure, but Rashford would represent a real coup for a club with big ambitions.
He would slot in anywhere across the front three for a Forest side that lack cover in depth in the front areas, and would benefit from Nuno Espirito Santo’s system. He may relish taking on a leadership role, as he would immediately bring experience to the side and will be used to combining with England teammate Morgan Gibbs-White.
Aston Villa
Rashford’s current temporary employer is not to be overlooked, although a permanent transfer may not be as easy as it would seem.
Unai Emery admitted a decision the player has not yet been made with the Villains vying for their place for a return to the Champions League next season. Rashford was among three high profile January transfers, with fellow loanee Marco Asensio joining as well as permanent signing Donyell Malen. There will be some balancing of the books to be done at the club and decisions on the future of several players as transfer plans take place.
Rashford is said to have agreed to a pay cut to make the transfer happen in January but is unlikely to agree to longer term contract on such terms. Financial reasons aside, Rashford looks a man reborn is said to be happy at Villa Park. A longer stay could be on the horizon.
Camp Nou and Beyond
Barcelona
The Blaugrana are Rashford’s alleged top choice if reports are to be believed, and the Spanish giants would represent a massive transfer for the player.
It is unlikely he would overtake Ballon d’Or favorite Raphinha on the left wing, but he would provide valuable cover and competition. The number 9 spot could be up for grabs however given Lewandowski’s age and Rashford would relish the fresh start and new surroundings.
Barcelona’s financial struggles are well documented however and the club would most likely have to offload a few players first but reinforcement in attack are said to be high on the priority for Hansi Flick’s side.
PSG
PSG are the side most credited with interest in the player over the past few summer and report suggest the French side remain firm admirers. They got an up close and personal glimpse of his qualities when he rounded Fabian Ruiz and Vitinha to setup Ezri Konsa’s goal, giving life to Villa’s spirited fight back and the Englishman enjoyed his best performance in a Villa shirt.
A move to the French capital could suit Rashford, and his wage demands aren’t expected to be an issue for the club.
AC Milan
A move once seemingly close to fruition in January could reignite in the summer, as AC Milan were said to be in contact with the player’s camp. The Italian outfit ultimately signed Kyle Walker and Santiago Gimenez but a return for Rashford should not be ruled out.
Milan have endured an indifferent campaign, currently sitting 9th in the Serie A table and having failed to qualify for the Champions League round of 16. They remain eight points off a top four place and would need a significant change in fortune to appear in next year’s Champions League, but should they spring a miracle, Rashford could be the perfect signature piece to bring in the new campaign.
With many questions still unanswered, one thing for certain for Rashford is that this summer represents a new dawn for the former England star. At 27, he faces a pivotal moment and possibly his last big money contract so he won’t take this decision lightly.
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