Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho sees bigger role for versatile Real Madrid star currently shining at the World Cup – report
Brahim Diaz Real Madrid speculation has taken a fresh turn after reports suggest that new manager Jose Mourinho has no intention of allowing the Moroccan international to leave the club this summer.
According to Defensa Central, Mourinho views Brahim Diaz as an important player for the upcoming campaign and believes the attacker can become increasingly influential as the season unfolds at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The decision comes at a time when the Real Madrid star is emerging as one of Morocco’s standout performers at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Mourinho sees Brahim as an important player
While Brahim Diaz, who is wanted by Juventus in Serie A, has rarely been considered an automatic starter at Real Madrid, his importance within the squad has never been questioned inside the club.
The Spanish-born attacker has consistently embraced his role, providing energy, creativity and depth whenever called upon.
Those qualities appear to have impressed Mourinho, who believes the player can have a bigger impact during the 2026/27 season.
The Real Madrid transfer news surrounding Brahim had previously generated uncertainty about his long-term future, but the new manager sees him as a valuable option.
World Cup form catches Real Madrid’s attention
Notably, the 26-year-old’s performances for Morocco at the World Cup have strengthened the belief that he can indeed be an important player under Mourinho.
So far, Brahim has enjoyed an excellent tournament, contributing four assists and one goal as Morocco reached the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Real Madrid officials have been closely monitoring the competition, and it is said that his displays have become one of the major talking points within the club.
According to reports, influential figures at Real Madrid believe players with his mentality are essential for maintaining balance across a long season.
Moreover, the player himself is enthusiastic about working under Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid for the first time.
Brahim believes the Portuguese manager has the experience and tactical understanding to bring out the best version of his game, although, for now, his attention remains fixed on international duty.
Real Madrid prospect Alexis Ciria will have to wait for his Champions League opportunity despite making a strong impression on Jose Mourinho during pre-season.
The Castilla winger has been left out of Real Madrid’s European squad, but the decision is the consequence of UEFA registration rules rather than a sporting judgment.
According to journalist Arancha Rodriguez (h/t Defensa Central), Ciria was not eligible for Madrid’s List B because he has not been with the club long enough to satisfy UEFA’s requirements.
Registering him would therefore have required Mourinho to include him on the more restrictive List A.
UEFA rules work against Ciria
List B provides clubs with additional flexibility to register young academy players, but being young enough is not sufficient on its own.
Players must also meet requirements concerning how long they have been eligible to represent the club.
Ciria does not meet those conditions because of his limited time at Valdebebas. Real Madrid would therefore have needed to sacrifice a List A position to register him.
With those places required for members of Mourinho’s senior squad, Ciria was ultimately left out.
Real Madrid’s List B instead includes youngsters such as Joan Martinez, Mario Rivas, Thiago Pitarch, Jorge Cestero and Daniel Yanez.
Many of these youngsters made a name for themselves under Mourinho during pre-season and could be used to make up the numbers in the Champions League squad.
They could also get some minutes off the bench, especially against relatively easier opposition, as Jose Mourinho looks to manage first-team minutes.
Mourinho still plans first-team opportunity
Importantly for Ciria, missing the Champions League squad does not appear to reflect a change in Mourinho’s opinion of him.
The youngster impressed during pre-season and is expected to continue spending time around the senior team.
Mourinho intends to give Ciria his official first-team debut during the season. That opportunity will now have to arrive in La Liga or the Copa del Rey.
The Portuguese tactician placed a lot of emphasis on trusting Castilla players during pre-season in the absence of first-team stars.
Ciria was one of the many names who made a name for themselves at Real Madrid during pre-season. He deserves a chance in the first team, and it remains to be seen how Jose plans his development.
