Aston Villa have secured the loan signing of Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on a deal that runs until the end of the season. The agreement includes an option to make the move permanent for £40 million in the summer.
Under the terms of the deal, Villa will cover a minimum of 75% of Rashford’s wages, though no loan fee has been paid to United. The England international, 27, confirmed the move on Instagram, stating that he was eager to join Villa due to their playing style and ambitions.
Rashford had previously been linked with multiple clubs but described the decision to move to Villa as “easy.” His departure follows a difficult period at United, which saw him dropped for the Manchester derby in December. At the time, he had expressed his desire for a “new challenge.”
Villa, currently dealing with injuries to key players, are also in advanced talks to sign Spain midfielder Marco Asensio on loan from Paris Saint-Germain. Manager Unai Emery had previously stated that the club “need new players” after their 2-0 defeat to Wolves.
The club has already strengthened its squad with the signings of Spanish full-back Andres Garcia from Levante and Dutch forward Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund. However, recent departures include striker Jhon Duran, who moved to Al-Nassr for £71 million, and defender Diego Carlos, who joined Fenerbahce for around £8.45 million.
Villa have also confirmed that 19-year-old Serbian defender Kosta Nedeljkovic has joined RB Leipzig on loan for the remainder of the season. Nedeljkovic, who arrived from Red Star Belgrade in January 2024, has made just two starts for the club.
With England striker Ollie Watkins picking up an injury and centre-back shortages forcing Boubacar Kamara into a defensive role, Villa’s latest acquisitions come at a crucial time in their campaign.