Wayne Rooney in Talks for I'm A Celebrity 2026 After Coleen

Wayne Rooney in advanced talks to sign up for I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!

Wayne Rooney is poised to follow his wife, Coleen, into the I'm A Celebrity jungle, with The Sun on Sunday reporting the former Manchester United and England star is in advanced talks to appear on the ITV show. The news headlines Sunday's newspaper roundup, which also features Manchester United team news, a Juventus loan enquiry for an Arsenal winger, and contract extensions at Barcelona.

Headline: Wayne Rooney is in advanced talks to sign up for I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!
Coleen connection: She was runner-up on the ITV show in 2024.
Man Utd team news: Benjamin Sesko missed the squad as United arrived in London ahead of Fulham, according to The Sun on Sunday.
Possible United returns: Luke Shaw, Carlos Baleba and Matthijs de Ligt could feature at Fulham, per the Evening Standard.
Arsenal winger wanted: Juventus are eyeing a loan move for Noni Madueke, with other European clubs lurking.
Other moves: FC Cincinnati set to sign Tyrell Malacia; Barcelona trio Raphinha, Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal to sign new deals.

Wayne Rooney's reality TV move

If a deal is completed, Wayne Rooney would become the second member of his family to enter the I'm A Celebrity camp, after his wife Coleen Rooney finished as runner-up in 2024. The source states only that he is in advanced talks, not that an appearance has been confirmed.

The Rooney name carries enormous recognition in the UK, and ITV's prime-time audience would make him one of the most discussed campmates of the series. Nothing is signed yet, so viewers should treat the reports as exactly what they are — advanced talks, not a done deal.

Sesko absent with United in London

Turning to matters on the pitch, Benjamin Sesko was missing from Manchester United's squad as the team arrived in London ahead of their game against Fulham, according to The Sun on Sunday. That is the central team-news story of United's trip to the capital.

The Evening Standard adds that Michael Carrick is feeling the heat ahead of the visit to Fulham, but could be boosted by returns. First-choice left-back Luke Shaw, summer signing Carlos Baleba and centre-back Matthijs de Ligt are all flagged as possible options for the manager. If Shaw, Baleba and De Ligt are available, Carrick's selection picture changes significantly.

Juventus eye Arsenal winger on loan

On the continent, Juventus are eyeing a loan move for Arsenal winger Noni Madueke, with other European clubs lurking, per The Sun on Sunday. A loan would be a short-term arrangement rather than a permanent transfer at this stage.

Elsewhere, FC Cincinnati are set to sign former Manchester United defender Tyrell Malacia, according to The Athletic. And in Spain, Barcelona's sporting director Deco has announced that Raphinha, Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal are set to sign new contract extensions, also via The Athletic.

Analysis: What the Rooney story says about modern football and celebrity

Wayne Rooney's post-playing career has already crossed from sport into mainstream television, and an I'm A Celebrity appearance would be the highest-profile example yet. The commercial logic is straightforward: ITV gets a household name with a vast football audience, and Rooney gets national exposure outside the game. Whether it happens depends on talks that are described as advanced, not complete.

For Manchester United, the more urgent story is availability. Sesko's absence from the squad leaves Carrick short in attack as he heads into a London fixture under pressure. The possible returns of Shaw, Baleba and De Ligt would restore structure at the back and in midfield, which matters most if United are missing attacking options.

At Arsenal, a Juventus loan enquiry for Madueke is a test of squad depth. A loan is a low-commitment move for the Italian club, while Arsenal must decide whether losing the winger temporarily is worth the minutes it frees up for others. With other European clubs circling, the decision will not be rushed.

Talking points

Wayne Rooney following Coleen into the jungle is pure entertainment gold for ITV, but it will not sit comfortably with fans who want him focusing on football.
Manchester United's trip to Fulham is now defined by who is missing, not who plays. Sesko's absence is a bigger blow than the returning trio is a boost.
Juventus wanting Noni Madueke on loan shows Arsenal are seen as a club with sellable depth. That is either smart squad management or a sign of weakness.
Barcelona tying down Raphinha, Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal shows the value of proactive contracts. Premier League clubs chasing them should note the timing.

What happens next

Wayne Rooney and ITV will decide whether advanced talks become a confirmed jungle appearance. At club level, Manchester United face Fulham on Sunday with Michael Carrick under pressure and Sesko out of the squad, while Juventus weigh up a formal loan approach for Noni Madueke. FC Cincinnati are set to complete the signing of Tyrell Malacia, and Barcelona are preparing new deals for Raphinha, Xavi Espart and Marc Bernal.

Frequently asked questions

Is Wayne Rooney going on I'm A Celebrity?

He is in advanced talks to sign up for I'm A Celebrity...Get Me Out Of Here!, according to The Sun on Sunday. Nothing has been confirmed.

Why did Benjamin Sesko miss Manchester United's trip to Fulham?

The Sun on Sunday reports Sesko was missing from Manchester United's squad as they arrived in London ahead of their game against Fulham.

Is Noni Madueke leaving Arsenal for Juventus?

Juventus are eyeing a loan move for Arsenal winger Noni Madueke, with other European clubs lurking, according to The Sun on Sunday. It is a rumoured loan enquiry, not a completed transfer.