In a stunning twist, following a dismal campaign in which Real Madrid failed to win a single trophy, Los Blancos are set to appoint the legendary Jose Mourinho as their new head coach for the start of the 2026/27 season.
This much is known – but Mourinho’s appointment could have ramifications for clubs in the Premier League. According to a report from Spanish outlet Sport.es, upon his arrival at the Bernabeu Stadium, Mourinho will look to sign Manchester United star Marcus Rashford.
Rashford has been on loan at Barcelona for the duration of the 2025/26 campaign, but he remains contracted with the Red Devils for the time being. Nevertheless, if Mourinho’s alleged intentions come to fruitition, this may not be the case for much longer.
Of course, Madrid aren’t the only team looking to snap Rashford up. Barcelona are keen for him to stay at the club on a permanent basis, while Aston Villa are also interested in a move for the player.
However, they will only make a move if they lose Morgan Rogers, who has been linked with a host of top clubs ahead of the summer. Rogers’ future remains uncertain – as do the Villans’ current transfer plans.
Furthermore, Newcastle United are also outside contenders to snap Rashford up, but they will only make a move if they lose Anthony Gordon during the upcoming summer transfer window [via Chronicle Live].
On top of this, United themselves aren’t so willing to let Rashford leave the club – they have reportedly handed the England international a one-year contract extension in a bid to keep him at Old Trafford.
Marcus Rashford 2025/26 La Liga stats
Games Goals Assists Yellows Reds
M. Rashford 31 8 9 3 0
Despite starting in less than half of Barcelona’s La Liga games this season, the 28-year-old has been able to have a sizeable impact in their title-winning campaign nonetheless.
After a miserable season at Manchester United in 2024/25, Rashford certainly seems to have benefitted from the change of scenery at the Camp Nou.
Outside of La Liga, he was also highly impressive in their Champions League campaign, scoring five goals and notching up four assists over the course of 11 games.
Who needs Marcus Rashford the most?
This is a difficult question to answer at present. Of course, both Villa and Newcastle will need to replace Morgan Rogers and Anthony Gordon (respectively) if they leave, but neither of them have as things stand.
United may want to keep Rashford at the club, but it is the best move for Rashford’s career? Furthermore, how much do they need him given the presence of Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha?
Furthermore, at Madrid, Rashford would be competing with the likes of Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe – he is an excellent player, but it is up for debate if he is on the level of those two superstars.
For our money, we think Rashford should stick with Barcelona. He clearly has a place in their squad, having performed so well this year – even if he has often played second fiddle to Raphinha.