Marcus Rashford Eyes Barcelona Move Despite Aston Villa Transfer

Marcus Rashford, who joined Aston Villa on loan in February 2025 after falling out of favor at Manchester United, is reportedly planning to leave Villa for a permanent transfer to Barcelona in the summer. Despite Villa's option to buy him for £40 million, Rashford hopes his performances at Villa will earn him a move to Barcelona, even considering a pay cut. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick is looking for a striker, though Rashford was not a priority in January.

The transfer of Marcus Rashford from Manchester United to Aston Villa occurred in February 2025, when he joined the club on loan after being deemed surplus to requirements at United. However, just weeks after his arrival, Rashford is already planning to leave Villa with hopes of securing a permanent move to Barcelona in the upcoming summer transfer window. Aston Villa holds the option to sign the 27-year-old England striker for £40 million, but Rashford reportedly still dreams of a switch to Barcelona. The striker had previously been linked to the La Liga club during the January transfer window after falling out with Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim, but a move never materialized.

Rashford, who was also linked with AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, ultimately moved to Villa on 3 February 2025. Villa facilitated the deal by covering most of Rashford's £325,000-a-week salary. Despite his transfer to Villa, reports suggest that Rashford remains focused on impressing at Villa Park in hopes of securing a move to Barcelona.

Barcelona's sporting director Deco confirmed that Rashford was considered in January, but he was not a priority for the club. Rashford is even willing to take a pay cut to join Barcelona, with the club actively seeking a striker to ease the workload on Robert Lewandowski. Other potential options for Barcelona include Alexander Isak of Newcastle and Jean-Philippe Mateta from Crystal Palace.