Sunday Newspaper Football Transfer Rumours and Top Stories
Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney is reportedly set to swap the football pitch for the Australian jungle by signing up for the upcoming series of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!
, according to newspaper reports published on Sunday, September 19, 2026.
The former England and Manchester United record goalscorer is lined up as one of the major celebrity signings for the reality television show, which is scheduled to air later in the year, as detailed by Sunday newspaper columns covering television and entertainment transfer rumours.
Television Plans and Football Career Context
Rooney, who recently transitioned into football management following spells in charge of Birmingham City, DC United, and Plymouth Argyle, has not yet publicly confirmed his participation in the reality program. According to the Sunday newspaper reports, network producers have targeted the former striker as a prime candidate to boost viewing figures for the reality competition.
The move follows a tradition of high-profile sporting figures entering the jungle camp, with past series featuring heavyweights such as heavyweight boxer Tony Bellew, former England manager Sam Allardyce, and Olympic athlete Nicola Adams. While television executives routinely approach prominent sports stars during the off-season or following managerial departures, securing a name of Rooney’s stature would represent one of the network’s most notable entertainment coups.
Management Stints and Next Steps
The potential television appearance comes at a time when Rooney remains out of day-to-day football management after leaving his post at EFL Championship club Plymouth Argyle. During his playing career, Rooney amassed 53 goals for the England national team and 253 goals for Manchester United, establishing himself as one of the most recognizable figures in modern British sport.
As production preparations for the reality series ramp up ahead of its autumn launch, further announcements regarding the official celebrity lineup are expected from the broadcaster in the coming weeks. ITV has not yet released its official contestant list for the upcoming series.