Cucurella confirmed
Marc Cucurella is a Real Madrid player. Spain manager Luis de la Fuente confirmed the move himself: "Cucurella's signing for Real Madrid is already official," he said Sunday morning (7) (11). The left-back arrives from Chelsea for €60 million.
Mendy and Fran García out
Two left-backs are now on the market. Ferland Mendy and Fran García have been declared transferable following Cucurella's arrival (11). The club is clearing the deck on the left side of defence.
Khedira coming back
Sam Khedira is set to return to the Bernabéu as part of Mourinho's coaching staff (1) (2) (6) (8). The 2014 World Cup winner played under Mourinho during his first spell at the club.
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Dias on the radar
Mourinho wants more in defence. Rubén Dias is his top target at centre-back (12) (14). The club may fund further moves through academy sales. Víctor Muñoz, Fran García, Gonzalo, and Asencio could bring in up to €100 million combined (5).
Fenerbahçe eye Brahim
Fenerbahçe are interested in Brahim Diaz (4). Mourinho may not keep him in the squad.
Tchouaméni clears the air
Aurélien Tchouaméni has spoken about the dressing-room clash with Federico Valverde. "What bothered me were the false stories," he said (9) (10). He did not deny something happened, but pushed back hard on the rumours that followed.
Asencio backs Mou
Asencio is all in on Mourinho. "Can you win La Liga next season with Mourinho? Yes, of course. He did the record one, 100 points and 121 goals. We're going for it" (3).
Fan reactions
Fans are split on the Cucurella deal. Some see a gritty, Mourinho-style signing, not the Galáctico name some hoped for. But Chelsea supporters' reaction has been telling: they rate him as a leader and an excellent player, and plenty are disappointed to lose him. One thread noted the deal moved fast once Madrid learned Gvardiol was extending at City.
