Aston Villa’s season has been boosted by the arrival of Marcus Rashford, who joined the club on loan from Manchester United in January. Under Unai Emery, the 27-year-old has rediscovered glimpses of his best form, proving to be an important part of the club’s Champions League push.
However, as the season nears its end, speculation is growing over Rashford’s long-term future. Villa holds a $52 million buy option, but whether the player himself wants to stay is another question entirely. One of the most intriguing signs has come from Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal, whose cryptic social media message has fueled rumors of a revived Barcelona pursuit.
Could Yamal’s actions be a sign that Rashford’s dream of playing in La Liga is still alive? Could Aston Villa lose him before they even get the chance to make his deal permanent? The answer became clearer following Villa’s dominant Champions League victory over Club Brugge.
Rashford’s Barcelona connection: Move that almost happened
Back in January, Rashford’s situation at Manchester United had reached a breaking point. The forward was frozen out by manager Ruben Amorim, with his last Red Devils appearance coming on December 12 against Viktoria Plzen.
With his future at Old Trafford in serious doubt, Barcelona emerged as his preferred destination. According to multiple reports, Rashford was keen on the move, but financial complications derailed it. His $407,000-a-week wages proved too steep for the Catalan giants, leading them to abandon a mid-season transfer.
What’s more, conflict within the Blaugrana’s dressing room over his arrival added another layer of difficulty. Reports suggested that three players opposed his signing, which created a divide in the squad.
With the Barcelona deal collapsing, Rashford had to look elsewhere. Aston Villa stepped in, with Emery personally requesting the board to bring him in on loan. The England international took the opportunity, knowing that the Spaniards could still return for him in the summer—if he performed well at Villa Park.
Yamal’s message: Sign of support for Rashford or a transfer hint?
Fast forward to Wednesday, March 12, and Rashford played a starring role in the Lions’ 3-0 victory over Club Brugge in the UEFA Champions League. The England international assisted Marco Asensio yet again, marking his fourth assist since joining Villa.
After the game, the 27-year-old forward took to Instagram, posting celebratory pictures with the caption: “Qualified.” Among the many responses, one stood out immediately—a comment from Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s 17-year-old sensation. The teenager responded with three star-emojis and a “top” symbol with an arrow pointing upwards.
At first glance, it seemed like a simple show of admiration, but in the world of soccer transfers, such messages often carry deeper meaning. Given Rashford’s strong links to Barcelona, Yamal’s gesture could be interpreted as a public endorsement of a move. Adding spice to the mix, the Englishman had been keeping tabs on the talented youngster since his debut, leaving a remark that said, “Well done” under his Instagram post back in 2023.
In fact, Barca’s interest in the player seems to have never fully disappeared. While the club couldn’t afford him in January, the summer transfer window presents new possibilities. What’s more, according to what The Sun reported in February,even Rashford himself remains hopeful of the move.
