Club hold option to keep Rashford for £40 million, and the Manchester United player has not closed the door on a permanent Villa move
Marcus Rashford has sent a public message of gratitude to “really special club” Aston Villa after the club played their final game of the season, though he stopped short of confirming his next move.
The 27-year-old joined Villa on loan from Manchester United in February, seeking a fresh start after falling out of favour under United manager Ruben Amorim. Villa still hold the option to extend Rashford’s stay at the club and the forward notably did not bid farewell to the fans, suggesting that a deal is not completely out of the question.
During his time at Villa Park, Rashford made 17 appearances and scored four goals, with his final outing on 22 April against Manchester City. His contributions helped Villa reach the FA Cup semi-finals and the Champions League quarter-finals.
In a message posted on Instagram, Rashford wrote: “Just a message of thanks to everyone here at Villa for what has (injury aside) been an incredible few months for me.
“It is a really special club and I appreciated the way Villa fans embraced me with open arms from 1st minute on the pitch. Manager, team, and coaching staff have all been brilliant.
“I know it is a huge disappointment not to have made the Champions League place which everyone worked so hard all season for but I know this club and team will come back stronger.”
Villa’s option to make Rashford’s move permanent for £40 million, while a possibility, is reportedly complicated by financial constraints, especially after the club narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification, finishing sixth in the Premier League. The need to avoid challenges under the league’s Profit and Sustainability Rules may limit their summer transfer activities.
Meanwhile, Manchester United appear to be preparing for life without Rashford. The club have concluded a deal for Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Brazilian forward expected to take over Rashford’s No. 10 shirt.
