Real Madrid is gearing up for significant internal changes with the anticipated return of José Mourinho as head coach, aimed at breaking a two-year trophy drought, sources have informed ESPN.
Mourinho has reportedly reached a verbal agreement on a two-year contract to succeed Álvaro Arbeloa this summer, with the club looking to make an official announcement on his return by Sunday or Monday. Additionally, the club is planning to overhaul its coaching staff, medical team, and sporting department while reviewing the first-team squad, both in terms of new signings and departures.
Club president Florentino Pérez recently called for elections, setting a candidate deadline for this Saturday, and potential opposition from businessman Enrique Riquelme may delay the proposed changes until next month, as the electoral process unfolds.
Mourinho is keen to bring his current coaching staff from Benfica with him, which may result in alterations to the first-team coaching setup at Valdebebas.
Sources revealed to ESPN that Madrid’s fitness coach, Antonio Pintus, and goalkeeping coach, Luis Llopis, face uncertain futures at the club for the upcoming season.
Moreover, further adjustments are expected within the medical department due to recurring injury issues that sidelined crucial players for extended periods throughout the season.
In the current 2025-26 campaign, medical chief Felipe Segura has already been replaced by Pérez’s long-time favorite, Niko Mihic. Furthermore, in March, forward Kylian Mbappé denied reports about a knee issue that allegedly worsened after an incorrect examination by Madrid’s medical team.
There is growing uncertainty and tension among the staff at Valdebebas as they await summer developments, with some fearing a significant “clearout” and a high turnover rate across various departments as Mourinho re-establishes his presence.
The club is considering a new senior role in the sporting department, currently overseen by José Ángel Sánchez and Juni Calafat. A source indicated that Mourinho had proposed the arrival of Benfica’s director of football, Mario Branco, although Madrid has no plans to pursue him.
Madrid seeks an individual who can bridge communication between players, coaching staff, and executives while participating in training sessions. The name of Toni Kroos has come up, but sources close to the player stated that Madrid has not yet made any formal offer.
In April, Madrid publicly denied they were looking to appoint a sporting director and insisted that the positions of Sánchez and Calafat would remain unchanged. Nonetheless, Mourinho is eager for an appointment who can be involved on a daily basis to enhance communication and oversight.
The Portuguese manager is well aware of, and aims to avoid, the numerous dressing room conflicts Madrid has encountered this season, including disputes between players and staff, a confrontation involving Aurélien Tchouaméni and Federico Valverde, as well as issues concerning Vinícius Júnior and Mbappé.
As for new acquisitions, Mourinho is focused on fortifying Madrid’s defense, according to sources. The club aims to sign a right-back to succeed the outgoing Dani Carvajal and compete with Trent Alexander-Arnold, while also considering potential center-back signings.
Sources indicate that Madrid plans to be more proactive in the transfer market than in recent years, broaden their player options, and this year they will not dismiss the possibility of acquiring players in the January transfer window.
In addition to Carvajal, both David Alaba and Dani Ceballos are also expected to depart from Madrid this summer.