Real Madrid News
Real Madrid captain returns to pre-season training after early World Cup elimination
Federico Valverde has officially returned to Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations after enjoying 24 days of vacation, becoming the latest World Cup international to rejoin José Mourinho’s squad.
Following Arda Guler, who reported back on Monday, the Uruguayan midfielder is the second returning international to resume training at Valdebebas.
Medical Clearance and First Training Session
Valverde began the day by completing his routine medical examinations, receiving clearance before taking part in his first training session under Mourinho.
His return increases the number of available first-team players to ten, although the squad continues to rely heavily on academy players while the remaining internationals complete their holidays.
Recovery after the World Cup
Uruguay’s disappointing World Cup campaign ended in the group stage after draws against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia, along with a defeat to Spain.
🥳 ¡Bienvenido de nuevo, cumpleañero!@FedeeValverde pic.twitter.com/zTs936WzOc
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) July 22, 2026
Valverde began his break on June 28, following the club’s standard recovery programme.
The first week was dedicated to complete rest before gradually reintroducing individual training during the following weeks to maintain fitness without overloading the body ahead of preseason.
Mourinho’s squad Grows
After arriving at Valdebebas in his own vehicle early in the morning, Valverde completed his medical tests before joining the rest of the group on the training pitch.
Mourinho now has the following senior players available: Andriy Lunin, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Dean Huijsen, Raul Asencio, Alvaro Carreras, Valverde, Guler, Eduardo Camavinga, Franco Mastantuono, and Gonzalo Garcia.
👍 @FedeeValverde
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) July 22, 2026
✅ Reconocimiento médico
🏥 Ciudad Real Madrid
🔵 @Sanitas pic.twitter.com/AHP4mHxbh6
The remainder of the training group continues to be made up of several academy prospects, a situation expected to continue until more internationals return.
A new responsibility
This season also marks the beginning of a new chapter for Valverde away from the pitch.
Following Dani Carvajal’s departure, the Uruguayan becomes Real Madrid’s first-team captain, making him the club’s primary on-field leader.
The updated captaincy order now places Vinicius Jr. as vice-captain, followed by Thibaut Courtois and Rodrygo.
It is another major responsibility for one of the club’s most influential players as Mourinho begins building his new Real Madrid project.
Having endured a tough year, Valverde will be eager to bounce back strongly under the new management.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
