Jose Mourinho is reportedly set to make a dramatic return to Real Madrid, agreeing a two-year deal to take the helm once again. The 63-year-old manager, often dubbed “The Special One,” has already identified a primary transfer target to kickstart his second reign: Manchester City’s decorated midfielder, Rodri.
Mourinho is expected to travel to the Spanish capital following Real Madrid’s final match of the season against Athletic Club on Saturday. His return comes 13 years after his initial three-year stint at the club, with Real Madrid president Florentino Perez reportedly orchestrating the move. The club is set to end the season without a major trophy, a situation Mourinho will be tasked with rectifying as caretaker manager Alvaro Arbeloa steps aside.
Mourinho’s most recent managerial role was with Benfica, where he has been in charge since September 2025. Under his guidance, Benfica achieved an unbeaten league campaign, though they ultimately finished third in the Primeira Liga table.
Rodri: Mourinho’s midfield lynchpin
Mourinho’s immediate focus appears to be on strengthening the midfield, with Spain international Rodri at the top of his wishlist, according to Football Insider. The 29-year-old, who previously played for Atletico Madrid, is nearing the final year of his contract with Manchester City and has yet to sign an extension. This contractual situation could open the door for Real Madrid, despite City’s clear reluctance to lose such a pivotal player.
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Rodri’s pedigree is undeniable, having been crowned the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner. However, his current season has been hampered by injury. He has struggled with form after returning from a long-term issue and has suffered recurring problems, most recently picking up a muscle issue in Manchester City’s 2-1 win over Arsenal last month. He is, however, expected to return to action before the season concludes.
The prospect of Rodri moving to the Santiago Bernabéu is a tantalizing one for Real Madrid fans. Pete O’Rourke, a Transfer Correspondent, commented on the potential pursuit on the Transfer Insider podcast: “If Jose Mourinho wants Rodri for his new look Real Madrid, I’m sure he will ask the president, Florentino Perez, to do everything he possibly can to try and sign Rodri. It’s obviously not going to be easy, because Manchester City do not want to lose such a key player as Rodri.”
Manchester City’s midfield conundrum
Manchester City’s stance on Rodri is complicated by other potential departures. The club could also lose key figures Bernardo Silva and John Stones this summer. Furthermore, Tijjani Reijnders is reportedly in talks to leave City after a disappointing debut season, having made only one start in their last 13 Premier League games and being an unused substitute in five of their previous seven matches across all competitions. Pep Guardiola is reportedly planning a midfield overhaul, which could influence decisions regarding player sales.
Rodri himself has previously hinted at an openness to new challenges, telling the Spanish media, “There have been many players who’ve gone down that path. Not immediately, but over time. For me, you can’t turn down the best clubs in the world.”
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Mourinho steps into a club described as being in crisis, despite its storied history as 15-time European champions. Recent incidents, including €500,000 fines for Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni after a training ground bust-up, and Kylian Mbappe being whistled by supporters after missing the Clasico, underscore the challenges ahead. The arrival of Mourinho and his ambitious transfer plans signal a clear intent to restore Real Madrid to its dominant position.
Sources: www.givemesport.com, www.footballinsider247.com
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