Real Madrid News
Report – How Jose Mourinho played an integral role in Real Madrid’s capture of Chelsea ace
Real Madrid have secured their first official signing of the summer in the form of Marc Cucurella.
The Chelsea defender joins on a long-term contract, with Real Madrid expected to pay around €55 million, with €5 million worth of add-ons involved in the deal.
Cucurella’s deal was made official earlier in the day, just ahead of Spain’s opening World Cup match against Cabo Verde, a game in which the talented fullback starts ahead of Alejandro Grimaldo.
Jose Mourinho’s role in Cucurella deal
According to MARCA, the Cucurella deal was driven almost entirely by the club’s new head coach, Jose Mourinho.
The Portuguese coach left Real Madrid in no doubt about who he wanted to strengthen his defensive options. Mourinho reportedly told the club’s hierarchy: “Get me Marc Cucurella. It’s him or nobody.”
Moreover, Mourinho personally called Cucurella to convey the same message directly to the player. “I want you in my project. It’s you or nobody,” the coach is said to have told the Spaniard.
Mourinho strongly believes Cucurella is necessary for his project and that the full-back will make Real Madrid considerably more solid defensively, an area that proved to be a major weakness over the past two seasons.
A signing that fits the new approach
The Cucurella deal is the clearest example yet of how Mourinho has fundamentally changed Real Madrid’s approach to the transfer market.
For years, Real Madrid made signings from a club perspective, prioritising medium-term planning over the immediate wishes of the coach.
The principle was to adapt the manager to the plan, rather than the plan to the manager. That philosophy has now been turned on its head, with Mourinho handed a genuine seat at the decision-making table, complete with a voice, a vote and real power.
Cucurella had been on the shortlist for some time alongside names such as Josko Gvardiol, Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie. But once Mourinho made his preference clear, the deal moved at an unprecedented pace, finalised in just a day and a half.
Real Madrid News
Mbappe elated after being named Real Madrid Player of the Month for August: ‘We can do great things this year’
Kylian Mbappe has been named Real Madrid Player of the Month for August after an impressive start to the 2026/27 season.
The French forward was recognised for his performances during the month, featuring in all three of Real Madrid’s matches and scoring four goals.
Mbappe opened his goalscoring account for the season in Real Madrid’s second game of the season against Real Sociedad, plundering a hat-trick in a 4-1 win.
The France captain was on target again in the next game, scoring in a 4-0 win over newly-promoted La Liga side, Malaga.
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Mbappe happy with positive start
After receiving the award at the training facilities earlier today, Mbappe spoke to RMTV, talking positively about the team’s start to the campaign and outlined his ambitions for the months ahead.
“We’ve started the season positively. I hope we can continue like this on Saturday. I think there can be a lot of success this season,” he said.
The Real Madrid forward is determined to play his part as the team pursue trophies on multiple fronts.
“I’m really looking forward to helping the team and showing that we can do great things this year. I’m always happy to play here. I know it’s a privilege,” he noted.
Welcoming the new arrivals
Mbappe also discussed the new faces who have joined the squad, stressing the importance of ensuring everyone settles quickly into the team.
After all, Real Madrid have made as many as six new additions in Ibrahima Konate, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva, Carlos Espi, Denzel Dumfries, and Yan Diomande.
“It’s always good to see new faces. They come wanting to help the badge and Real Madrid. We’ve tried to make sure everyone adapts in the best possible way so that we can all move in the same direction,” he stated.
With the squad continuing to improve, Mbappe believes unity will be crucial as Real Madrid aim for a successful season.
The France captain’s four goals in August, coupled with his strike against Inter Milan earlier this week, have provided an early indication of his importance to the side as Real Madrid look to bring trophies back at the Bernabeu.
