Aston Villa could 'help' Barcelona with the signing of Rashford

FC Barcelona may finalize a crucial operation in the coming days to pursue the signing of Marcus Rashford before the winter transfer market closes. Waiting for what happens with Ansu Fati, who is already clear that Hansi Flick does not count on him, the Catalans may also part ways with Andreas Christensen. The Dane just received medical clearance before the match against Getafe, but he has very few chances of fighting for a starting position in the second half of the season.

With Ronald Araujo back in action and Pau Cubarsí established in the starting eleven, the player from Lillerod sees his quality minutes significantly reduced, although he could lend a hand as a pivot in emergencies, a role that Eric García performed between August and December. The Catalan should also return to Girona in January, aware of the tough competition for a spot both in defense and in midfield. 

Aston Villa, a possible solution for Christensen

Recent reports indicate Aston Villa's interest in Christensen. Unai Emery hopes to add another defender in the winter market and, despite his prolonged inactivity, the Dane is one of the options that the Spanish coach likes the most. The Birmingham side, however, does not see a transfer in the range of 15-20 million euros as very clear, an amount that Barça expects to receive for the departure of '15'.

For the 'villain' team, the ideal scenario would be to opt for a loan without a mandatory purchase option, as bringing in a player without match fitness in the last five months poses a high risk. Andreas only played in the first matchday of LaLiga (against Valencia) before suffering a tendinopathy that kept him out for the entire first half of the 2024-25 season. His absence allowed Barça to register Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor until December 31, an operation that resulted in a saga that the Superior Sports Council (CSD) resolved through a precautionary measure two weeks ago.

In this sense, Aston Villa could provide a key boost to Barcelona to resolve the arrival of Rashford. The United already finalized this weekend the loan of Antony to Betis, a clear example of the 'red devils' intentions to finalize the departure of the discards of Rubén Amorim. The '10', like the Brazilian, would arrive in Catalonia through a simple loan in which the 'red devils' assume a majority percentage of his salary (20M€ gross).