Real Madrid: José Mourinho Has Put 6 Players on His Blacklist

Spanish media report that Real Madrid is set to officially announce the return of José Mourinho through a press release, marking a dramatic new chapter for the Portuguese coach in the Spanish capital. The move is not entirely unexpected, as Florentino Pérez had already hinted at Mourinho’s comeback during his election campaign and after his re-election as club president. Mourinho previously managed a Madrid side led by stars such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, and this time he would arrive to work with a new generation built around Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Jr and Jude Bellingham.

The reported plan also includes major squad reinforcement, especially in defense. Mourinho is said to want Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries to strengthen a back line he considers the team’s main weakness. He is also looking for a new left-back, with Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal described as his dream option and Manchester City’s versatile Joško Gvardiol also under consideration. In midfield, Real Madrid are expected to target one or two additions, with Bernardo Silva, Vitinha, João Neves, Enzo Fernández and Nico Paz among the names linked to the club. Further forward, another attacking signing has not been ruled out.

Among the most talked-about possibilities are Michael Olise of Bayern Munich and Julián Álvarez of Atlético de Madrid. One of those players could be the expensive signing worth 150 million euros that Pérez reportedly promised during the election period. Such a major arrival would likely force changes in the current squad, and local reports suggest that some players may be moved on to make room for new arrivals.

According to Radio Marca journalist Ramón Álvarez de Mon, Mourinho has already drawn up a blacklist of players he does not intend to rely on. Six names are reportedly on that list. Franco Mastantuono is among them, with the Argentine said not to have impressed during his first season and a loan move now seen as the most likely solution, with Villarreal already interested. Fran García, Raúl Asensio and Dani Ceballos are also reportedly open to leaving, with Ceballos said to be heading toward Ajax.

Eduardo Camavinga is another surprising inclusion. For a long time, Real Madrid considered the French midfielder untouchable despite a difficult season, but Mourinho is reportedly not convinced by him. Even more striking is the presence of Rodrygo on the list. The Brazilian winger is currently injured and expected to miss several months, yet the incoming coach is said to have made it clear that he does not fit into his plans. The report suggests Mourinho has already spoken with several players and made his intentions clear early, signalling a major reshaping of the squad at the Bernabéu.