Real Madrid News
Real Madrid superstar embracing Mourinho’s new demands: ‘Most disciplined player here’
Jude Bellingham endured a difficult second season at Real Madrid, but the midfielder’s mood has changed dramatically since Jose Mourinho took charge.
According to The Athletic’s Mario Cortegana, Bellingham is enjoying the new demands Mourinho has introduced and has responded to the manager’s methods with a level of discipline that has impressed people inside the club.
A source close to Mourinho believes one of the biggest changes has been Bellingham’s positioning.
The England international is playing closer to goal in the manager’s system, operating as a No. 10 with greater freedom to influence attacking phases.
“Above all, he’s playing closer to goal,” says a source.
“He’s performing better because he’s running fewer kilometres,” he added.
Bellingham embraces Mourinho’s new approach
Mourinho had already identified Bellingham as a player capable of returning to his best and spoke to him before the World Cup about how he could be used.
The manager’s idea is to keep Bellingham involved across the pitch while allowing him to concentrate more on attacking situations. That appears to have suited the midfielder.
“He is really enjoying the new demands and mindset that (Mourinho) has brought,” that same source says.
The change comes after a 2025/26 campaign affected by inconsistency and injuries, where Bellingham was managing a shoulder problem, while his outstanding first campaign had naturally raised expectations around him.
Real Madrid source calls Bellingham most disciplined player
Bellingham’s influence has not only been visible during matches, as people at Madrid’s training ground continue to regard him as one of the strongest voices in the dressing room.
“He always takes great care of himself and works very hard; he stays on every afternoon to recover and work out in the gym,” says a club source.
“He’s the most disciplined player here, although there are plenty of players who no doubt do a lot at home.”
That dedication, combined with his relationship with Mourinho, has made Bellingham one of Real Madrid’s key hopes heading into Sunday’s derby against Atletico Madrid.
The tactical adjustment may be helping him physically, but the bigger change appears to be psychological.
Bellingham is embracing Mourinho’s demands rather than resisting them, and Real Madrid are beginning to see a version of their midfielder that looks closer to the player they expected when he first arrived.
Real Madrid News
Manchester United launch final push to sign Real Madrid outcast; club resists permanent exit
Manchester United are stepping up their pursuit of Endrick as the Brazilian forward’s future at Real Madrid becomes increasingly uncertain, with a potential January loan move emerging as a solution to his lack of regular playing time.
According to Bernabeu Digital, Manchester United are making a final push to convince the 19-year-old to join them.
However, negotiations could prove complicated because the Premier League club is interested in including a purchase option in the deal, while Real Madrid are not currently planning to give up permanent control of the striker.
Endrick’s limited opportunities under Jose Mourinho this season have opened the door to a temporary departure, with AC Milan and Tottenham also emerging as potential destinations.
Why Manchester United want Endrick?
Manchester United are looking for greater attacking productivity and believe Endrick could provide a different dimension to their forward line.
The Premier League club has also been linked with the Brazilian in the past, as they assess options to improve their goalscoring output after a poor start to the season.
Notably, his situation at Real Madrid makes a move more plausible, as Endrick has struggled to secure consistent minutes, and the club is considering a loan that would give him the chance to play regularly.
However, United’s preferred terms could become the biggest obstacle.
The English side reportedly wants the option to buy Endrick at the end of the loan, potentially giving them a route to a permanent transfer if he impresses.
Real Madrid reject permanent Endrick exit
Real Madrid’s preference is understood to be a straightforward loan without a purchase option.
The club want Endrick to gain experience elsewhere before returning to compete for a place in the squad, rather than risk losing a young forward they have invested in for the future.
His previous loan spell at Lyon provides a possible model for another temporary move, although any agreement would depend on the terms offered and the player’s own preferences.
Manchester United are prepared to make an attractive financial proposal in an effort to secure his arrival, but money alone may not resolve the disagreement if Real Madrid remain unwilling to include a purchase clause.
