Aston Villa have confirmed that Marcus Rashford will not be signed permanently following his loan spell at Villa Park, with the club opting against triggering the £40m buyout clause in the deal. The Manchester United forward made 17 appearances for Unai Emery's side after joining in January, registering nine goal contributions including a brace in the FA Cup quarter-final against Preston North End.
The confirmation leaves the 27-year-old's future at Old Trafford uncertain. Manchester Evening News reported last month that United are preparing for the possibility of sending the academy graduate out on a season-long loan, with Rashford keen to join a Champions League club. Senior figures at Old Trafford expect him to move abroad, although Rashford has not ruled out a Premier League move, while approaches from Turkey and Saudi Arabia have been turned down.
Rashford appeared to respond to the news by liking an official Aston Villa Instagram post that confirmed the departures of Robin Olsen and Kortney Hause on expiring contracts, as well as the return of loan players to their parent clubs. The post also acknowledged Villa's other temporary additions, Marco Asensio and Axel Disasi, who joined alongside Rashford in February.
Barcelona have been linked with Rashford's services, and the England international has expressed a desire to play alongside Barcelona winger Lamine Yamal. Speaking to Spanish influencer Javi Ruiz, Rashford said: "Yes, for sure, everyone wants to play with the best. Hopefully... we'll see. It is difficult to put into words what he is doing. He is not supposed to be doing that at 16-17 [years of age]. We have not seen that before."
Villa's statement thanked each player for their "efforts and amazing commitment" and wished them well for the future. Rashford scored four goals during his time in the Midlands.
