Aston Villa winter signings, Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio, have made a big impact, helping the club reach the Champions League quarter-finals. Rashford, on loan from Manchester United, has recorded three assists in nine games and earned a call-up to Thomas Tuchel England squad. Villa £64m sale of Jhon Duran funded the duo arrival, with their chemistry praised.
In the ongoing 2024-25 season, Aston Villa’s winter transfer moves are proving crucial as Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio shine on loan. Rashford, arriving from Manchester United, has recorded three assists in nine appearances, earning a recall to England’s squad under new coach Thomas Tuchel. Robbie Savage praised Villa’s transfer strategy, calling the £64 million sale of Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr a masterstroke that funded the duo’s arrival.
Villa also rejected a £60 million bid from Arsenal for Ollie Watkins, further strengthening their squad stability. Rashford, rejuvenated after a tough spell at United where he was criticized by coach Ruben Amorim, is thriving at Villa Park. Recently, he assisted in a 3-0 win over Club Brugge, contributing to a 6-1 aggregate victory that secured a Champions League quarter-final clash against PSG.
The first leg is scheduled for April 9 in Paris, with the return on April 15 at Villa Park. Prince William, a Villa fan, witnessed the Brugge win as Asensio scored twice. Savage highlighted Rashford’s renewed joy, praising Villa’s recruitment and hinting that playing in front of royalty is inspiring Rashford’s resurgence.