Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford is yet to give up on his dream Barcelona transfer.
Despite his recent loan move to Aston Villa, Marcus Rashford remains optimistic about securing a long-term transfer to Barcelona in the summer. The Manchester United forward had explored a move to the Catalan giants during the January window but ultimately joined Villa on deadline day after failing to break back into Ruben Amorim’s plans at Old Trafford.
Barcelona sporting director Deco recently confirmed that while the club had discussions about Rashford, they were not in “desperate” need of a player in his position. However, the 27-year-old believes that a strong run of form at Villa Park could reignite Barca’s interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
Rashford’s brothers, who act as his representatives, had reportedly held talks with multiple top European clubs, including Barcelona, before his eventual switch to Villa. According to The Sun, despite the move, sources close to the player suggest that he remains hopeful of making a dream move to the Nou Camp later this year.
Aston Villa Move: A Stepping Stone?
While Rashford has embraced his short-term stint at Villa Park, his future beyond the current season remains uncertain. The Midlands club have a £40 million option to buy him outright, but the England international has hinted that his long-term ambitions may lie elsewhere.
Speaking after his move, Rashford had said:
“Obviously, it’s only short-term that I’m here, but I want to make the most of my time here. And the only way to do that is by using my attributes and skill sets to help the team.”
This statement has fueled speculation that the forward is viewing his Villa spell as a platform to rebuild his reputation and attract fresh offers from Europe’s elite.
Against Ipswich, Rashford showed flashes of his ability, crashing a free-kick against the bar, leading to Ollie Watkins’ equalizer in a 1-1 draw. Performances like these will be crucial if he wants to convince Barcelona to revisit their interest in the summer.
Will Barcelona Come Calling?
Rashford’s belief that Barcelona could still make a move for him hinges entirely on how he performs at Villa. If he rediscovers the form that made him a key figure at United in previous seasons, a top club could be willing to take a chance on him.
However, Barcelona’s financial constraints and shifting transfer priorities mean that a deal is far from certain. The Catalan giants may only move for Rashford if they offload players and need reinforcements in attack.
For now, England International must focus on delivering at Villa. If he shines, a summer switch to La Liga could be a real possibility, but he has a lot to prove before that becomes a reality.
