Joe Cole has urged Chelsea to sign Manchester United outcast Marcus Rashford, suggesting that the forward ‘ticks a lot of boxes’ required to play for his former side.
Rashford spent last season on loan at Barcelona, but his future currently hangs in the balance. Barcelona are reportedly unwilling to pay the €30 million clause value on his deal, while Manchester United also appear unlikely to re-integrate him into their squad.
Speaking to SunSport, Cole asserted that Rashford would turn out good at Stamford Bridge, stressing that the 28-year-old needs an environment where he could build on his newfound confidence at Barcelona.
“It’s just a matter of the wages and the valuation,” Cole said. “Rashford ticks a lot of boxes, but you don’t want to spend a fortune on him – he’d do a good job for Chelsea. He needs to keep going, Marcus, he needs to keep his confidence up because he rebuilt himself at Barcelona, and there’s still another level for him to jump to. He’s someone Chelsea should inquire about, but it’ll depend on the deal.”
Rashford enjoyed an impressive 2025/26 campaign with Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists across all competitions. He also helped Barcelona win LaLiga and Supercopa de Espana.
Cole identifies positions Chelsea need to strengthen ahead of next season
Speaking further, Cole pointed out positions where the Blues need to strengthen after an underwhelming 2025/26 season. The former England international threw the names of three Real Madrid stars in the hat while suggesting three areas the Blues need to strengthen.
“Chelsea needs goals in the front three, an experienced centre-back, and then possibly a goalkeeper to push the goalkeepers that are already there,” he continued. “It’s hard for me to say who they should go for, because I’d love Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Jr and Antonio Rudiger. But Xabi Alonso needs to work out where he can get value for money, because I don’t think there’s a lot of money left at Chelsea to be honest with you.”
However, Cole is aware the west London club are financially constrained and suggested that new manager Xabi Alonso might not be able to sign the player he wants.
“There’s been a lot of money wasted, so he may have to work with what he’s got, but if he has to work with what he’s got, then the Chelsea fans must stick with him and know that this isn’t the Chelsea of 10 years ago,” he concluded.
Earlier today, the Blues confirmed that four players will leave the club when their current contracts expire on June 30. They include Brodi Hughes, Richard Olise, Sam Rak-Sakyi, and Jimi Tauriainen.