Exclusive: ‘Aston Villa to sign Marcus Rashford over Marco Asensio’
Aston Villa should be looking to retain both Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio on permanent deals this summer but may be forced to prioritise one over the other, according to Alan Hutton.
Following the duo’s loan moves to Villa Park in January, both have made an immediate impact on Unai Emery’s side.
Rashford has forced Ollie Watkins out of Villa’s starting XI, notably taking his place for the 3-2 second-leg Champions League victory against PSG as the Midlands side were narrowly knocked out 5-4 on aggregate.
Asensio meanwhile, has proven himself to be a game-changer for Emery, scoring twice in a 2-1 win over Chelsea in February, whilst also netting in both legs against Club Brugge.
The Spaniard’s sensational impact has forced Morgan Rogers to be utilised out wide on the right wing to accommodate the former Real Madrid man.
Marcus Rashford to Aston Villa has complications
Whilst Rashford’s loan from Man United contains a £40million [The Athletic] release clause, it will not be a simple deal for Villa to do this summer.
The Villains have been toeing the line when it comes to the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules in recent years (PSR).
The club were a part of last summer’s transfer merry-go-round which saw Newcastle, Nottingham Forest, Brighton, and Everton all exchange players for inflated figures in order to avoid a sanction.
| 2024/25 Premier League stats | Rashford | Asensio |
| Appearances | 9 | 8 |
| Starts | 3 | 5 |
| Goals | 1 | 3 |
| Assists | 2 | 1 |
| Minutes | 367 | 466 |
However, as revealed by Stefan Borson exclusively to Football Insider, Villa have issues when it comes to signing Rashford and will need to qualify for the Champions League to do so.
Adding to the uncertainty with any deal for the England international is Barcelona’s long-standing interest in Rashford, but if the Villains are forced to take one over the other, it is the United man who Hutton sees as the top priority.
Aston Villa should target Marcus Rashford over Marco Asensio
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, via NewBettingOffers.co.uk, ex-Villa star Hutton said: “Really, I would take two, but if I had to pick one, I would probably lean towards Rashford.
“Look, I think Asensio, I think he makes the team better 100%, you’ve seen that against Newcastle, but I just think when you bring their ages and that sort of thing into it, then Rashford is younger and he’s just got something different, he’s more dynamic in terms of his running power and he can play in a number of positions.
“I know Asensio possibly could as well, but I think Rashford gives you that versatility, so that’s probably the one I would pick, but, I would definitely go and get both.”