Marcus Rashford is expected to return to Manchester United after loan spells with Aston Villa and Barcelona, but reports suggest the forward would favour a move overseas rather than joining another Premier League side this summer.

The England international spent the second half of the 2024/25 campaign at Villa Park, despite Barcelona initially being his preferred destination during the January transfer window.

Working under Unai Emery appeared to revive Rashford’s confidence and form, with the attacker contributing four goals and six assists in 17 appearances across all competitions.

Champions League football was viewed as a major factor in his move to Villa, and although Emery’s side have qualified once again for Europe’s elite competition, financial limitations under UEFA’s Squad Cost Rules continue to shape their transfer plans.

According to reports from The Athletic, a permanent return to Villa currently looks unlikely. It is understood that if Rashford remains at Old Trafford, he would rather see out the final two years of his existing deal than move elsewhere in England.

There is believed to be a £40 million release clause available for interested clubs, although domestic rivals Liverpool and Manchester City are excluded from that arrangement.

Despite impressing during his spell in claret and blue, Rashford’s salary expectations are viewed as a major obstacle for Villa, with the club unwilling to significantly alter their wage structure.

Any potential deal would likely depend on a reduction in wages, which may explain why a move abroad is currently considered the more realistic option for the forward.

The BirminghamLive football team continues to bring supporters the latest Aston Villa news, transfer updates, analysis and features throughout the summer window.