Mourinho is coming
It's happening. José Mourinho has officially left Benfica and is set to become the next Real Madrid manager. The news broke on June 9, with a reported €15 million release clause triggered to free him from his contract in Lisbon (1). His return marks the end of a turbulent chapter for the club, and the start of the rebuild Florentino Pérez promised during this historic election campaign. Mourinho's first moves? He's already sent a list of players he doesn't want to Pérez and is pushing for defensive reinforcements (13). Spanish press reports he's eyeing Joško Gvardiol and Bruno Fernandes (6).
Gvardiol: Madrid step in as Bayern step out
Real Madrid have entered the race for Manchester City's Joško Gvardiol after Bayern Munich pulled out of the running (2). Gvardiol could be the statement defensive signing the club needs. The links align with Mourinho's reported desire for a top-level centre-back, he's also been named alongside Gvardiol in Spanish paper talk this week (6).
Mourinho's discard list takes shape
The new boss isn't wasting time. Mourinho has already communicated a list of unwanted players to Florentino Pérez (13), and Franco Mastantuono is the first name out. Reports say the club is actively seeking an exit for the Argentine winger, Mourinho simply doesn't count on him (12). More names will follow.
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Valverde and Camavinga: €150M for the pair
In a move that would reshape the midfield, reports claim Real Madrid have set a combined €150 million price tag on Fede Valverde and Eduardo Camavinga (8). No club has publicly moved yet, but the numbers are now out there. For context, Camavinga was omitted from France's World Cup squad and has reportedly attracted interest from Galatasaray.
Mendes kills the PSG dream
Jorge Mendes has shut down any hope of Vitinha or João Neves joining Real Madrid. "They are non-negotiable for Paris Saint-Germain and are very, very happy at PSG," Mendes said, dismissing the Spanish press speculation outright (4) (10). That door is closed.
Fenerbahçe circling
Fenerbahçe president Aziz Yıldırım is planning to meet Florentino Pérez directly, with the Turkish club targeting a Real Madrid player, 26-year-old Díaz, and reportedly seeking Mourinho's approval for the move (5) (9). It's the kind of relationship-driven deal that could move quickly once the new manager is officially in place.
Deschamps on Mbappé: 'I must be stupid'
Didier Deschamps has come out swinging in defense of Kylian Mbappé ahead of the World Cup. "I've always thought, and I'll say it again today, that the French national team will always be stronger with Mbappé," he said, adding with trademark sarcasm: "I must be stupid to play him in the center" (7). For Madrid fans worried about their star's form, the France boss is betting big on a strong tournament.
Bernabéu concerts: no ruling yet
Real Madrid issued a statement clarifying that the Supreme Court has not ruled on the legality of concerts at the Santiago Bernabéu. The court's decision was purely procedural, the legal case brought by a neighborhood association will now continue before the relevant court (3). The concert schedule, for now, is unaffected.
Arbeloa in Fulham talks
Former Real Madrid defender Alvaro Arbeloa is in discussions to take over at Fulham following Marco Silva's departure (14). The move would give one of Madrid's own a Premier League dugout, and comes just as the club said farewell, coinciding with Mourinho's arrival.
Fan reactions
The mood among Madridistas is split between nostalgia and impatience. One thread is reliving Jude Bellingham's unforgettable 2023–24 season, while another is buzzing about when the official Mourinho announcement will drop, fans are watching for the 'COMUNICADO OFICIAL' after days of silence. Meanwhile, Arsène Wenger's comments backing Kylian Mbappé for a huge World Cup are making the rounds, with the former Arsenal boss calling the Frenchman 'the scapegoat for an average Real Madrid team', a take that's stirred plenty of debate. Read the full thread
