Mourinho eyes – Jose Mourinho has handed Real Madrid a document outlining a wish list of four to six new signings, with a clear emphasis on defence, as the club faces squad uncertainty after key Spanish players were left out of the World Cup.
By midnight at the Bernabéu, the mood feels less like celebration and more like anticipation with teeth. Real Madrid may be preparing for Jose Mourinho’s return. but the first thing his plan appears to demand is defensive reinforcement—four to six new faces. and a reshuffle that could leave the current squad tensing all over again.
Mourinho is reported to want one or two centre-backs, one or two full-backs, a defensive midfielder, and a creative midfielder. The guidance is said to be contained in a document he has handed to Madrid’s chiefs, though it reportedly carries no specific names.
There is a sharper edge to the timing. Madrid have already been hit by contract endings and uncertainty, with Dani Carvajal and David Alaba set to leave when their deals expire. The futures of Antonio Rudiger, Dani Ceballos, and Eduardo Camavinga are also described as unsettled.
The report also frames the wider atmosphere around the squad. None of their Spanish stars were deemed good enough to go to the World Cup, a snub that sets a mood of questions hanging over the group—questions Mourinho’s arrival is meant to answer, quickly.
Mourinho’s comeback to Madrid is described as a three-year contract, following his earlier spell as manager between 2010 and 2013. That period brought one LaLiga title, a Copa del Rey, and a Supercopa de España, with the club competing against Pep Guardiola’s teams throughout.
But this time, the expectations appear heavier. Mourinho is set to return after Real Madrid went trophyless in the last two seasons, and the article stresses how hard it is to imagine a manager being afforded time without delivering Champions League results.
His Benfica position still matters, too. The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss is contracted at Benfica for another year. and because his release clause has expired. it is reported to cost Madrid upwards of £12million in compensation to sign him. according to Portuguese reports. His unveiling as Madrid boss is also said to be likely only after Florentino Perez secures victory in the club’s presidential elections—if indeed he does.
In the background, the personnel picture is shifting beyond the pitch. Alvaro Arbeloa. who has managed the team since January. confirmed he will not stay to work under Mourinho if he comes. Arbeloa said: “Mourinho has a fantastic coaching staff; he’s surrounded by great people. If he comes, he’ll bring his own team, as he should. There’s no chance I’ll be joining him.” He added: “I’ve spent the last four months thinking about Madrid; from now on. it’s time to think about myself. I’ve taken the leap, and I feel ready for new challenges.”.
And if Mourinho’s defensive priorities land as expected, it could reshape competition at established positions. The piece suggests his desire for extra full-backs could create more pressure for Trent Alexander-Arnold. while also pointing to wider competition for Jude Bellingham and the rest of the squad.
The appointment is not arriving in a vacuum of support, either. Casillas—dropped as No 1 goalkeeper by Mourinho during his first spell—has been a vocal objector. Casillas wrote on X: “I have no problem with Mourinho,” adding: “I think he’s a great professional. I just don’t want him at Real Madrid.” He continued: “I believe other coaches would be better suited to manage the club I love. That’s just my personal opinion. Nothing more”.
Arbeloa, though, took a different view when speaking last week. He said: “For me. as a player and a Real Madrid fan. I think Mourinho is number one.” Arbeloa added: “I thought that a month ago when we played him in the Champions League (with Benfica). and I’ll continue to think it.” Then he wrapped it up with: “Jose is. and always will be. ‘one of us’. If he’s here next season, I’ll be very happy to see him back home.”.
For Madrid. the message is unavoidable: this season’s disappointments. the contract churn. and the World Cup snub of all their Spanish players set the stage for a summer where positions could change and competition could intensify. Mourinho’s document may not name the targets yet. but the categories he wants are already clear—and they point toward one thing: a defence that must be fixed. and quickly.
Jose Mourinho Real Madrid transfer wishlist defensive signings centre-backs full-backs defensive midfielder creative midfielder Dani Carvajal David Alaba Antonio Rudiger Dani Ceballos Eduardo Camavinga Trent Alexander-Arnold Jude Bellingham Alvaro Arbeloa Florentino Perez Casillas