Rashford Available for £40m But Wages a “Huge Problem” | OneFootball

£40m Price Tag Set but No First Refusal for Villa

Marcus Rashford is expected to be one of Manchester United’s most high-profile departures this summer, with the club open to selling the England international for £40 million. However, despite Aston Villa benefiting from a rejuvenated Rashford during his loan spell, they do not hold first refusal on a permanent deal.

Rashford, 27, joined Villa in January after falling out of favour at Old Trafford under Ruben Amorim. The temporary move appears to have revitalised the forward, and there is mutual openness to extending his stay at Villa Park. Sources confirm Villa can sign him permanently for £40 million, but the clause does not prevent other clubs from stepping in with a matching bid.

United, meanwhile, remain flexible regarding Rashford’s future, with the player under contract until 2028. Though he is currently expected to report to Carrington for pre-season in early July, his long-term prospects at United appear bleak while Amorim remains in charge. The feeling internally is that a clean break could benefit both player and club.

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Salary a Sticking Point for Interested Clubs

One major obstacle to any permanent departure is Rashford’s salary, believed to be £325,000 per week. Villa are reportedly covering around 75% of that wage during his loan, but the striker is not willing to accept a pay cut. That could mean United would need to subsidise any future deal unless a club is willing to match those financial terms.

While another loan cannot be ruled out, Rashford is keen to secure regular top-level football, particularly with next summer’s World Cup in mind. His recall to the England setup under Thomas Tuchel has added urgency to his decision-making, as he prioritises consistent game time and Champions League exposure.

Champions League Key to Rashford’s Decision

Rashford’s ambitions remain aligned with elite European football, and he is thought to be uninterested in a move to London-based clubs. Barcelona have shown previous interest and could reignite their pursuit if Rashford becomes available. A move abroad is not off the table, provided the destination aligns with his competitive targets.

Aston Villa, currently level on points with fifth-placed Chelsea and sitting sixth, are still pushing to secure Champions League qualification. Their final fixtures against Tottenham and Manchester United could prove decisive. Rashford, however, has been sidelined for the past three matches with a hamstring injury and is unlikely to feature again this season. Even if fit, he would be ineligible to face United due to Premier League loan regulations.

Man Utd Summer Overhaul Set to Begin

Beyond Rashford, United are expected to be active in the transfer market with both arrivals and departures. The scale of Ruben Amorim’s summer budget hinges on whether United defeat Spurs in the Europa League final in Bilbao, which would secure Champions League football.

Among the forwards being monitored are Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, Wolves’ Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo of Brentford. However, United must sell to fund their spending. Jadon Sancho and Antony, currently out on loan at Chelsea and Real Betis respectively, are both expected to be made available. Chelsea are obligated to buy Sancho for up to £25 million unless they trigger a £5 million release clause to cancel the agreement.

Questions also remain over the futures of Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, with interest in the latter from Chelsea and Napoli having failed to materialise in January.

As the summer window nears, Marcus Rashford’s situation will be closely watched – not just at Old Trafford or Villa Park, but across Europe.