Real Madrid hires Jose Mourinho, launches squad and staff overhaul

Jose Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid for a second spell, signing a contract that runs until June 2029. He pledged to "create a culture of work, responsibility, ambition and something I know very well – the honour of representing Real Madrid" and promised to restore discipline and results.

Mourinho’s arrival has triggered a major reshuffle. Veteran defender Raul Asencio was told he is not in the coach’s plans and may be loaned or sold, while long‑time players Dani Carvajal, David Alaba, Dani Ceballos and Fran García have left the club. New signings include centre‑back Ibrahim Konaté and midfielder Bernardo Silva, both acquired on free transfers, and right‑back Denzel Dumfries for about €20 million from Inter.

The coaching staff has also been reinforced. João Tralhão, Mourinho’s long‑time aide, has been appointed assistant manager with a contract lasting to June 2029. Other members of the backroom team are former Germany midfielder Sami Khedira, Pedro Machado, Antonio Días and goalkeeper coach Nuno Santos. The club’s president Florentino Pérez has so far ignored Mourinho’s request for an additional central midfielder, citing a lack of space for further signings.

Overall, the Real Madrid overhaul signals a decisive shift aimed at ending the two‑season trophy drought that persisted after the club’s last domestic titles in 2023‑24.