Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho asks Benfica to sign experienced Real Madrid defender – report
Former Real Madrid boss Jose Mourinho has begun a new chapter in his coaching career, as he was named the new manager of SL Benfica earlier this week.
Having been sacked by Fenerbahce at the start of the season, the ‘Special One’ is back where it all began for him, taking over the reins at Estadio da Luz.
Mourinho eyes Real Madrid raid for Ferland Mendy
Now, according to reports in Portugal (h/t Fichajes), The Portuguese manager has already made his first demand for the winter transfer window: the signing of Real Madrid left-back Ferland Mendy.
The Portuguese club’s objective is to reinforce a defence that has shown weaknesses on the flanks in the early parts of the season.
As such, Mourinho sees Ferland Mendy as the ideal profile to strengthen his side. The 30-year-old Frenchman would bring experience, strength in one-on-one duels and the ability to balance a backline that lacks defensively solid full-backs.
As per the report, Benfica are ready to make a €10 million offer in January. This figure could be convincing for Real Madrid, given that the player is not part of Xabi Alonso’s plans.
The Frenchman is under contract until 2028, but his role at Real Madrid has diminished, with Alonso preferring Alvaro Carreras and Fran Garcia.
Injuries have also hindered Mendy’s continuity, with the player not having featured since April, pushing the Real Madrid board to listen to offers.
There is still no definite date set for the 30-year-old’s return from injury, but irrespective of that, Mourinho and Benfica see him as a potential addition in January.
Mendy, for his part, is reluctant to leave Real Madrid, but given his playing situation, it will be interesting to see if the ex-Lyon man considers the offer from Benfica.
As reported by BILD in Germany, Real Madrid are keen on Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah and have been closely scouting him this season.
Over the past couple of summers, Los Blancos have significantly strengthened their defensive line, signing players like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Alvaro Carreras, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, and Marc Cucurella.
However, more reinforcements could be needed in the backline, considering Antonio Rudiger’s contract expires at the end of the season, while concerns remain over Eder Militao’s physical state.
It has already given way to links to Finn Jentsch of VfB Stuttgart, but now, Quansah, too, has emerged as an option.
A versatile player
Quansah joined Bayer Leverkusen from Premier League giants Liverpool, where he came through the academy ranks. The Bundesliga club paid a record €35 million fee to sign him in 2025.
And, the 23-year-old has settled in nicely in Germany, establishing himself as a regular starter, thanks to his versatility, as he can play at both right-back and centre-back.
Quansah has made 50 appearances for Leverkusen, even chipping in with five goals and an assist.
He was also a part of the England squad that finished third at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Thomas Tuchel preferring him over Real Madrid’s Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The youngster’s rapid rise has now seemingly put him on the radars of Los Blancos. Interestingly, he is understood to be a close friend of Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham.
Liverpool have a buyback clause
However, signing Quansah might not be straightforward for Real Madrid as he has a long-term contract until 2030 at Bayer Leverkusen and will not come cheap.
More importantly, his boyhood club, Liverpool, have a buyback clause worth €70 million, which they can activate to take him back to Anfield.
Beyond that, Chelsea, led by former Real Madrid boss Xabi Alonso, have also shown an interest in the England international, while Arsenal already had a €65 million bid rejected this past summer.
So, while Real Madrid may be interested in Quansah for the summer of 2027, signing him will be anything but easy.
