27/04/2025 12:00
Tottenham Hotspur’s planned pursuit of Marcus Rashford this summer won’t go very far unless they qualify for the Champions League.
Rashford is set to be the subject of speculation aplenty as he prepares to move on from Manchester United, although it’s unclear whether Aston Villa will be able to complete a permanent transfer for him.
The 27-year-old’s form has been reminiscent of his most productive periods at Old Trafford, and while it’ll be no surprise to see Unai Emery push for the transfer, Spurs will also hope to be in the conversation.
Tottenham were linked with a move for Rashford after he was cast aside by Ruben Amorim, but ex-Spurs and England goalkeeper Paul Robinson has told Football Insider that they now have next to no chance.
Spurs are on course for their worst ever Premier League season and could still finish as low as 17th in the table, with a possible Europa League victory the only silver lining for Ange Postecoglou and Daniel Levy.
Tottenham may fail in Marcus Rashford transfer pursuit
Tottenham fans were less than pleased with the prospect of a transfer for Rashford back in January, but his form for Villa has since resulted in reignited interest from several clubs ahead of the summer window.
However, speaking on the new edition of Football Insider's Inside Track podcast, Tottenham’s 2008 League Cup winner Robinson argued that his former employers must win the Europa League – and guarantee a Champions League place – in order to remain a realistic destination.
"They can try, but if they haven’t got Champions League football they won’t compete”, Robinson told Football Insider.
“Marcus Rashford has been to Aston Villa, proved himself again at the top level – he’s shown everybody that there was something fundamentally wrong at Manchester United.
“The relationship with the manager was clearly broken down – that was an issue for him – he’s gone to Aston Villa and looks like the player he was two years ago.
“If it’s not Aston Villa, it will be a Champions League club, because that’s the level he needs to play at, and that’s the level which he’s able to play at.
“Tottenham are in the race for Marcus Rashford; but without Champions League football, without the Europa League trophy, and Tottenham 17th in the Premier League? Sorry, you’re not in the conversation."
Tottenhammake Ange Postecoglou sack decision
Before Daniel Levy even turns his attention to the transfer market this summer, the Tottenham chairman must decide to stick or twist with Postecoglou – and if it’s the latter, appoint a replacement very quickly.
Robinson told Football Insider last month that the uncertainty over Postecoglou has effectively put Tottenham’s recruitment on hold, and that will only hinder them as multiple clubs race to sign Rashford.
With Villa also uncertain over Man United’s valuation of Rashford despite his recent form, a window could open for Spurs to pounce; but that’ll all depend on how they navigate the rest of this season on the pitch.
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