Jose Mourinho reportedly wants between four and six new signings to bolster his Real Madrid side – with a heavy focus on defence.
The ‘Special One’ is keen to bring in one or two centre-backs, one or two full-backs, a defensive midfielder, and a creative midfielder, according to Diario AS.
Mourinho is set to return to Madrid on a three-year contract, hoping to reignite them after they went trophyless in the last two seasons.
His transfer plans could spell more competition for the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham, and indeed the entire squad will be on edge. None of their Spanish stars were deemed good enough to go to the World Cup.
Diario AS reports that Mourinho – whose move from Benfica is yet to be formally announced – has handed Madrid a document detailing what he wants, but without specific names.
Madrid are losing Dani Carvajal and David Alaba on the expiry of their contracts and the futures of others including Antonio Rudiger, Dani Ceballos, and Eduardo Camavinga are uncertain.
Jose Mourinho has reportedly told Real Madrid he wants between four and six signings
Mourinho managed Los Blancos between 2010 and 2013, competing against Pep Guardiola, winning one LaLiga, a Copa del Rey, and a Supercopa de Espana.
They are more ruthless these days and it is hard to imagine a manager being afforded such time without winning the Champions League.
The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss is contracted at Benfica for another year and as his release clause has expired, it will cost Madrid upwards of £12million in compensation to sign him, according to Portuguese reports.
His unveiling as Madrid boss is likely to only happen after Florentino Perez secures victory in the club’s presidential elections – if indeed he does.
It is set to be a summer of upheaval at the Santiago Bernabeu and Mourinho will not be able to rely on the help of Alvaro Arbeloa.
Arbeloa, who has managed the team since January, confirmed he will not stay to work under the Portuguese.
‘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.
‘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.’
His desire for extra full-backs could spell more competition for Trent Alexander-Arnold
Club president Florentino Perez has been an admirer of the current Benfica manager since his first spell at the Bernabeu, and they have remained close in the years since.
Mourinho, who hasn’t won a league title in 11 years, steps into a crisis club after a season clouded by in-fighting between players, an early Champions League exit, and Barcelona storming to the LaLiga title.
One of his most vocal objectors has been club legend Casillas, who was dropped as No 1 goalkeeper by Mourinho during his first spell at the club.
‘I have no problem with Mourinho,’ Casillas wrote on X. ‘I think he’s a great professional. I just don’t want him at Real Madrid.
‘I believe other coaches would be better suited to manage the club I love. That’s just my personal opinion. Nothing more’.
Arbeloa has taken a different view on the former Chelsea and United boss’ re-appointment, however, saying last week: ‘For me, as a player and a Real Madrid fan, I think Mourinho is number one.
‘I thought that a month ago when we played him in the Champions League (with Benfica), and I’ll continue to think it.
‘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.’
