Jose Mourinho is preparing for his anticipated return to Real Madrid by targeting attacking reinforcements that could challenge Kylian Mbappe’s position as the club’s undisputed star. While not yet officially appointed, Mourinho is already formulating plans to reshape the squad following a turbulent campaign for Los Blancos.
Mourinho is expected to overhaul the Real Madrid locker room, and a key component of his strategy involves adding competition for Mbappe, who has faced criticism from sections of the club’s supporters despite being a pivotal player in recent seasons. The Portuguese manager has identified Manchester City’s Rodri as a primary midfield target and is also prioritizing defensive signings.
According to El Chiringuito, Mourinho is keen to bring in further attacking options, with Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray and free agent Dusan Vlahovic emerging as potential targets. The club anticipates the departure of Gonzalo Garcia at the end of the season, creating space in the forward line. Osimhen, who has scored 22 goals and provided seven assists this season, is Mourinho’s preferred option, though his contract with Galatasaray, which runs until 2029, presents a significant obstacle, with an Estimated Transfer Value (ETV) of €76.7m.
Vlahovic, whose contract with Juventus expires in June, represents a more attainable option. However, he faces competition from several other European giants, including Milan, Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, and Bayern Munich. While Vlahovic has seen limited playing time in Serie A this term, his availability as a free agent makes him an attractive prospect. Mourinho’s interest in both players signals a desire to reduce Real Madrid’s reliance on Mbappe, a sentiment reportedly growing within the club due to internal tensions with Vinicius Junior.
Sources in France describe Mourinho’s plan as a “major blow” to Mbappe, potentially diminishing his perceived indispensability. While a move for Osimhen appears financially challenging given the club’s other priorities, Vlahovic is considered a more realistic addition as a backup option. Mourinho’s early moves indicate a firm intention to restructure the Real Madrid squad and ensure that no player is considered untouchable.
