Marcus Rashford has given his potential next club the green light, signalling openness to a switch to Real Madrid and a reunion with former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho. The England forward's remarks have re-emerged after his stint at Barcelona appears to have concluded.
Rashford's Barcelona Loan Ends
The 28-year-old scored 14 goals and provided 14 assists for Barcelona as they won La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. However, his performances were not deemed sufficient for a permanent move. Barcelona opted to sign Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for £70 million instead, preferring the winger's defensive contributions over Rashford's, whose defending was described as his 'weakest point'. The three-year age gap between the players also played a role, with Gordon at 25.
Financial Hurdles
Rashford's reported £315,000-a-week wages were a concern for Barcelona, who were only willing to pay half of his £26 million asking price, around £13 million, a figure Manchester United flatly refused. Following the collapse of the permanent deal, Rashford removed all Barcelona references from his social media accounts.
Real Madrid Interest
Jose Mourinho is set to take over at Real Madrid this summer for a second spell, potentially making the move more appealing for Rashford. Speaking in 2021, Rashford expressed interest in La Liga: 'I would never say no. Other than United? I'm a big fan of Real Madrid and Barcelona, because they've always had great players and played attractive football.'
Rashford's United Career
Rashford featured consistently under Mourinho at Old Trafford between 2016 and 2018, establishing himself as a top Premier League attacker. However, he lost favour under former boss Ruben Amorim and was loaned to Aston Villa in January 2025 before joining Barcelona in summer 2025.
Other Potential Destinations
If a Real Madrid move does not materialise, Rashford could consider offers from Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, or Bayern Munich. However, he may face a significant wage reduction to secure a permanent exit from United. A return to Old Trafford remains in doubt, as he has not played for the club since December 2024.
