Jose Mourinho is going back to Real Madrid — and it sounds like he's already scoping the exits at the Etihad. Fabrizio Romano confirmed the deal on Monday: a two-year contract verbally agreed, with Mourinho set to travel to Madrid after the Real-Bilbao fixture. The Special One's second chapter at the Bernabeu is happening.
Now comes the interesting part. According to reports from England and Spain, Mourinho has earmarked Manchester City as his first major hunting ground, with Rodri topping his transfer wishlist. The defensive midfielder has been on Madrid's radar for years, and Mourinho reportedly sees central midfield as a position that needs fixing without delay.
Three names, three very different situations
Rodri is the priority. He's arguably the best defensive midfielder in European football right now, and Madrid know it — they've tracked him for years without landing him. The difference now is Mourinho's influence and an explicit plan to push the move through. City's director of football Hugo Viana is reportedly working hard to keep him, so this one won't be clean or cheap.
Josko Gvardiol is the second name in play. Spanish outlet AS reports intermediaries have offered the Croatian centre-back to Madrid, who originally lost out when City paid €90 million to sign him from RB Leipzig in 2023. With David Alaba's future uncertain, the need for a top-level centre-back is real — though matching that price tag will be a serious commitment.
Then there's Bernardo Silva, and this one has genuine intrigue. The 31-year-old leaves City on a free this summer when his contract expires, which removes the transfer fee problem entirely. Madrid and Barcelona have both been linked for years. Juventus and Saudi clubs are in the mix too, and Silva himself has spoken about eventually returning to Benfica — though not necessarily now. A free transfer to the Bernabeu would be a blow Barcelona won't easily absorb, given how long they've chased him.
What it means for the market
Of the three, Rodri looks the most achievable despite the fee involved — largely because Mourinho's arrival gives Madrid a tactical identity that suits his profile. Gvardiol at full market value is a stretch even for Madrid's budget. Silva is the wildcard: free, proven, and attracting a queue of serious clubs.
- Rodri — Priority target, City fighting to keep him, no agreement yet
- Josko Gvardiol — Offered to Madrid by intermediaries, €90m+ price tag expected
- Bernardo Silva — Leaving City for free, multiple European clubs in the race
Madrid's summer transfer odds just got a lot more interesting. Mourinho arriving with a clear list and the authority to execute it is a different proposition to the uncertainty that's surrounded the club's recruitment in recent windows. Whether he gets one, two, or all three of these players is another question — but the intention is obvious.
