Rashford Edges Closer to Real Madrid as Mourinho Circles

Marcus Rashford's future looks increasingly likely to lead him to the Bernabéu rather than a permanent stay at Barcelona, fresh reports suggest.

The Manchester United forward has spent the season on loan at the Catalan club after departing Old Trafford last summer. The 28-year-old has delivered respectable numbers for Barcelona, notching 14 goals and 10 assists across 48 appearances in all competitions, though he's managed just 25 starts.

The temporary arrangement includes a €30m (£26m) buyout option, but Barcelona appear reluctant to meet that fee. The La Liga outfit have instead been exploring the possibility of negotiating either a reduced price or another year-long loan deal.

However, Jose Mourinho's imminent appointment as Real Madrid manager has thrown a spanner in the works. The Portuguese tactician is understood to have requested Rashford's signature during preliminary discussions about his squad plans, convinced the England international suits his tactical approach perfectly.

While Rashford is said to prefer remaining in Catalonia—having settled into the culture and environment away from Old Trafford—he's reluctant to return to Manchester should Barcelona let him go. Real Madrid have consequently begun monitoring the situation closely, positioning themselves as a viable alternative should circumstances shift.

According to reports from Spain, Rashford is now closer to joining the European champions than securing his Barcelona future. At present, no formal negotiations have commenced, and Barcelona haven't entirely ruled out keeping him. Yet the landscape is clearly shifting.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Mourinho's appointment is essentially done. Verbal agreements and handshakes with Florentino Perez are in place, with only final contractual formalities remaining before an official announcement. The announcement could come later this week pending documentation being finalised by both legal teams.

The incoming manager's arrival is already reshaping Real Madrid's defensive plans. Rudiger is set to stay, though the club want to restructure his contract terms. Carvajal is departing—a decision Mourinho has accepted without objection. Ceballos and Alaba are also expected to leave, with significant squad overhaul anticipated across the backline.