Jose Mourinho has reportedly provided Real Madrid with a detailed list of transfer targets as he prepares for a potential return to the Santiago Bernabeu, according to Diario AS. The document outlines the positions Mourinho believes require strengthening ahead of next season, with the Portuguese manager seeking between four and six new signings.
Mourinho’s impending appointment is contingent on Florentino Perez winning the upcoming presidential elections, where he is the clear favourite against Enrique Riquelme. A key condition of Mourinho’s return was a significant say in player recruitment, a departure from the limited input typically afforded to managers at the club.
The transfer wishlist focuses on bolstering the defensive and midfield areas of the squad. Mourinho is seeking to add one or two players at full-back, as well as one or two centre-backs to improve defensive solidity. In midfield, the former Chelsea and Manchester United manager has identified a need for both a defensive midfielder to provide competition for Aurelien Tchouameni and a more creative central midfielder, a profile he feels is currently lacking within the squad.
Real Madrid’s spending this summer remains uncertain. Last year saw an outlay of €160 million on four players, a relatively active window for the club in recent years. While the arrivals of Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe represent significant investments, both in transfer fees and wages, the club has not consistently sanctioned multiple high-profile signings in a single window. The financial implications of Mbappe’s arrival, particularly regarding wage structure, will likely influence the scale of further investment.
Mourinho previously managed Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning La Liga, Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup. His return signals a shift in approach for the club, potentially prioritizing immediate results and a more pragmatic style of play. Strengthening the identified positions would provide Mourinho with the tools to implement his tactical vision and challenge for silverware.
