Jose Mourinho’s potential return to Real Madrid is no longer a secret. The Portuguese coach will likely take over at the Santiago Bernabeu next season after the club finished a trophyless campaign.
Mourinho’s First Request: Bring Rashford to Real Madrid
President Florentino Perez views Mourinho as the ideal candidate to rebuild the squad.
Mourinho already plans major changes. He will arrive with a clear list of demands, including player departures and new signings. One name stands out: Marcus Rashford.
According to The SPORT, Mourinho wants the English winger at Real Madrid. Mourinho knows Rashford well from their time together at Manchester United.
The coach believes Rashford would add depth and competition to a squad that already features Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo Goes, and Brahim Diaz on the left flank.
Mourinho also sees the move as a way to pressure Barcelona. During his first spell at Real Madrid, he used similar tactics against Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona.
Signing a player currently on loan at Camp Nou would send a strong message.
However, Rashford has other plans. The 26-year-old currently plays for Barcelona on loan from Manchester United. Barcelona hold a €30 million purchase option for the forward. Rashford has made it clear he wants to stay.
After El Clasico earlier this month, he said: “I don’t know if I’m going to stay. I am not a magician, but if I were, I’d stay.”
Rashford has delivered a solid season at Barcelona, scoring 14 goals and providing 14 assists. He already made financial sacrifices to join the Blaugrana last summer.
Whether Barcelona activates the purchase option depends on the club reaching the 1:1 financial rule and their overall transfer strategy.
For now, Mourinho faces a challenge. He needs the player’s approval. And Rashford’s heart remains at Barcelona.
