Crystal Palace are reportedly planning a bold move to sign Marcus Rashford this summer, but will face stiff competition from other clubs and hurdles in securing his services.
The Eagles, who are currently 12th in the Premier League, have been closely monitoring the Manchester United forward’s loan spell at Aston Villa. Rashford, who joined Villa in January 2025, has made a strong impression, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 22 appearances. His form earned him a recall to the England squad for the World Cup 2026 qualifiers, further boosting his stock.
Villa have an option to make Rashford’s loan permanent for around £40 million at the end of the season, but his future remains uncertain. Palace, under Austrian manager Oliver Glasner, are keen to pursue the 27-year-old should Villa choose not to take up their option, with a source confirming that the London club is monitoring the situation closely.
“Palace are keeping a very close eye on Rashford and what happens with Villa and United,” the source told The Sun on Sunday. “There is a good buzz around the club at the moment, and someone like Marcus is exactly the kind of player they would love to attract.”
However, the deal is far from straightforward. Palace face two key hurdles in their pursuit: Villa’s option to buy Rashford for £40 million and the looming interest from other high-profile clubs, including Paris Saint-Germain. Additionally, a return to Manchester United remains a possibility, especially with United’s ongoing struggles in front of goal.
Reports suggest that Rashford’s future at Old Trafford could hinge on whether he can mend his relationship with United manager Ruben Amorim, who is planning a major summer clearout. With United’s possible overhaul of their squad, Rashford’s future could also involve a return to the club or a move to one of the many suitors interested in him.
Crystal Palace will also have to contend with keeping hold of their own key players to make the move to South London appealing to Rashford. Despite their mid-table standing in the league, Palace’s ambitions have been bolstered by a strong squad featuring talents like Eberechi Eze, Ismaila Sarr, and Ben Chilwell, who could make the club an attractive destination for the England international.
The summer transfer window is set to be an exciting one for Rashford, with multiple options on the table, including staying at Villa Park, returning to Manchester United, or making a fresh start at Crystal Palace. The next few weeks will likely determine his future, with Palace hoping to secure a deal that could be a game-changer for their ambitions.
