Newcastle United got weaker during the January transfer window, while Aston Villa signed Marcus Rashford and strengthened.
The Magpies and Aston Villa have been intertwined in recent years, but have made very different decisions in the transfer market. It has felt like Villa have taken the risks that Newcastle United have avoided, be that rightly or wrongly.
Newcastle were offered Donyell Malen, but he went to Aston Villa. Eddie Howe did not want Axel Disasi, and now he is at Aston Villa.
But what about Marcus Rashford? The 27-year-old completed a shocking move towards the end of the January transfer window, joining Aston Villa on loan from Manchester United.
Graeme Bailey answers Marcus Rashford to Newcastle United question
When speculation over the forward’s future emerged, Newcastle fans were split on Rashford possibly arriving at St James’ Park.
However, there was never any official interest from the Magpies. That is according to TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey, who has spoken to Geordie Boot Boys about Rashford and his move to Aston Villa.
“I am told there wasn’t any interest in Rashford from Newcastle,” he said.
“I don’t believe it had anything to do with the player’s ability. I don’t think he would have had an interest in a move to the North East. He has gone to Villa and I am not saying they are bigger or that Birmingham is a nicer place to live, but Champions League football is a huge lure.
“I would also point to the fact that I don’t believe Eddie Howe would see Rashford as the archetypal player he would want in his squad.”
Newcastle United rarely use the loan market
Given Rashford’s wages at Old Trafford, a move to Newcastle United never felt likely at all. In that respect, it is no surprise that the Magpies did not show any interest.
On top of that, Eddie Howe has not used the loan market too much during his time on Tyneside.
During his first transfer window in charge, Howe brought in Matt Targett on loan from Aston Villa. That deal was later made permanent.
After that, the only other loan deal has been the arrival of Lewis Hall. And that was not a conventional loan move – it was merely a case of Newcastle boxing clever due to their financial situation. The Magpies signed Hall at the end of his loan deal, which was always going to happen.
Newcastle are always looking at the bigger picture, which is why a six-month loan for Rashford never made sense.
But it has made sense for Aston Villa, who will hope it proves to be good business.
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