With the transfer window closing for the Premier League today, Aston Villa was on the hunt for more attacking firepower. Through three EPL matches in the 2025-26 campaign, Villa is yet to score its first goal, so there is a clear need for reinforcements up front.
Last season, Jadon Sancho left Manchester United for Chelsea on loan, and the enigmatic England international provided a mixed bag of results. Ultimately, Sancho logged five goals and nine assists across 39 matches spread between the Premier League and Conference League, and the 25-year old right-footer now looks to be headed to Aston Villa on loan after winning the Conference League with Chelsea.
Last season, Aston Villa accepted a loan from Manchester United for the final part of the 2024-25 campaign. In that time, Rashford looked a bit revitalized and enjoyed a positive run of form for Villa whether placed up top as a striker or running along the left wing. This time, Villa is in for another Man United attacking outcast, and it is believed that Rashford reassured Sancho about the potential loan move.
According to Greame Bailey of TBR Football, the two players had a conversation about what Sancho could expect if he were to go on loan to Villa.
“I am told that Sancho has spoken to Marcus Rashford before completing this deal,” Bailey said. “He wanted to make sure about the lie of the land. And Rashford was glowing in his support of the move. He told him what to expect, and that has played a part in Sancho deciding to make this move.”
What will Sancho's role be at Aston Villa?
With that in mind, Sancho could work his way into minutes for the claret and blue sooner rather than later. Villa is experiencing a clear and jarring lack of goal scoring up top, and a player of Sancho’s profile could help create opportunities, as he is known to attack his man and create chances.
In his first two seasons at Manchester United, Sancho produced nine goals and six assists in the EPL, and Villa is still figuring out which attacking contingent offers the most promise this year. While Evann Guessand and Donyell Malen started over the weekend against Crystal Palace, manager Unai Emery is largely expected to rotate his wingers until a pair of players establish themselves up top.
It was rumored that Villa could go after Marco Asensio to help quell this issue, especially considering his loan history in Birmingham at the tail end of last season, but the 29-year old Spanish player is set to join Fenerbahce instead.