Mourinho's demands taking shape
José Mourinho has laid out seven specific requests to the Real Madrid board as his return to the Bernabéu edges closer. At the top of his list: two Premier League signings. The Portuguese coach wants Marcus Rashford and a Manchester City player to form part of his new project, with terms of his contract now finalised according to reports out of Spain (1) (2).
João Tralhão and Pedro Machado, his trusted assistants from Benfica, will join him in Madrid. Tralhão was already spotted at the Bernabéu this season (1).
Brahim attracting heavyweight interest
A European giant has shifted its transfer plans and is now targeting Brahim Díaz. The club, unnamed in reports but described as a continental heavyweight, is preparing a serious push for the Moroccan international. Madrid will need to ward off significant interest to keep him at the Bernabéu (3).
Rüdiger extension priority
The club is pushing to reach an agreement with Antonio Rüdiger on a contract extension before the end of the season. Keeping the German centre-back locked down is a clear priority for the board (3).
Fan reactions
The mood around Mourinho's return is electric. Fans are buzzing about the backroom team he's assembling — Tralhão and Machado are seen as serious operators, not just familiar faces. The Rashford links have United fans watching nervously and Madridistas debating whether he fits the system. The Rüdiger extension news has been met with near-universal approval, with supporters calling it a no-brainer. Read the full discussion