Mourinho set for stunning Madrid return
It is happening. José Mourinho and Real Madrid have reached a verbal agreement for a two-year contract, according to multiple reports (1) (2). The Portuguese coach would return to the Bernabéu for a second stint, running through June 2028.
Arbeloa, a former Mourinho player and current Madrid figure, has publicly backed the move: "I have always been clear about Mourinho," he said (3). The ongoing presidential election process at Madrid is not expected to derail the deal (2).
Dutch trio circling Álvaro Rodríguez
Feyenoord, PSV, and Ajax are all tracking Real Madrid striker Álvaro Rodríguez, currently on loan at Elche (4). The Uruguayan forward, described as a "physical monster" by scouts, is not in Madrid's immediate first-team plans — which is precisely why the Eredivisie clubs see an opening (4).
Fan reactions
The news has split the fanbase right down the middle. Some supporters are ecstatic about Mourinho's return, seeing him as the antidote to a drifting project — one thread on the deal has hundreds of comments dissecting what it means. Others are more concerned about the reported Mbappé-Vini Jr tension, with L'Équipe suggesting some executives want one of them gone this summer. Carvajal's reported farewell has added to the sense that big change is coming. Join the Mourinho debate