Real Madrid News
Report – Unnamed former player set to join Mourinho’s staff at Real Madrid
According to journalist Miguel Serrano in Ok Diario, it has come to light that Jose Mourinho wants a former Real Madrid player working closely alongside the squad once he officially returns to the Santiago Bernabeu at the end of the season.
The identity of the former player has not yet been revealed, but the intention behind the appointment appears very clear.
Following a season filled with dressing room tension, public disagreements and growing criticism around the club’s mentality, Mourinho believes Real Madrid need somebody within the coaching structure capable of reconnecting the players with the identity of the club.
There has been a growing feeling that Real Madrid lost part of their competitive culture during difficult moments this season.
Mourinho wants somebody who understands exactly what the club represents to act as a bridge between the dressing room and coaching staff.
It must be remembered that the Portuguese manager has already reached a full agreement to return to Real Madrid on a two-year contract.
Once that announcement is complete, attention will shift towards how he plans to rebuild a fractured squad and his coaching staff may become one of the first major statements of intent.
Not the first time
Interestingly, this would not be the first time Mourinho is planning to use a respected former Real Madrid figure as part of his inner circle.
During his first spell at the Bernabeu, the Portuguese coach attempted to convince Raul Gonzalez to join his staff after the legendary striker left the club.
However, Raul still wanted to continue playing professionally and instead chose to move to FC Schalke 04.
Mourinho eventually turned to Aitor Karanka, a decision that proved extremely important during that era.
No name, but there are rumours
Now there have been rumours that Mourinho wants to recreate that structure again.
The thinking behind the move makes complete sense considering the problems Real Madrid experienced this season.
Several reports throughout the campaign pointed towards fractures inside the dressing room, weak leadership and a lack of emotional control during difficult periods.
Mourinho understands that fixing those issues requires more than just tactical meetings and training sessions.
This is why Raul’s name has once again been floated within the circle, but as reported before, bringing back the former striker is currently not feasible.
One of the main objectives for Real Madrid this summer was to bring in a new central midfielder capable of controlling the tempo and dictating the play from the middle.
A move for Rodri was in the works before the Spain captain decided to sign for FC Barcelona. The Merengues assessed several other options, but ended up not signing any player, with Jose Mourinho deciding to use Bernardo Silva in the double pivot.
One of the midfielders that Real Madrid were looking at as an option was Adam Wharton of Crystal Palace.
The England international has been on the club’s radar for a while now, but the Premier League club never opened the door for a summer departure.
Wharton could be on the market in 2027
However, now, according to The Guardian (h/t Bernabeu Digital), That stance could change next year, as that Palace would be prepared to consider selling Wharton during the next summer transfer window.
As mentioned already, Real Madrid have closely followed Wharton’s situation throughout the summer, although the club ultimately decided against making any further additions to their midfield.
Manchester City and Chelsea also showed serious interest in signing the England international during the summer. However, Crystal Palace were unwilling to sell, effectively ruling out a move for the midfielder.
But it appears that they could open the doors for Wharton to leave in the summer of 2027, potentially paving the way for Real Madrid to make a move.
Real Madrid continue to monitor Wharton
Real Madrid are expected to keep a close eye on Wharton’s progress ahead of the 2027 market. Should they decide they need another high-quality midfielder, the 22-year-old could once again emerge as a candidate.
Manchester City may be less likely to return for Wharton after strengthening their midfield significantly this summer.
Chelsea, however, could remain a potential competitor after failing to add a player in the position during the latest window.
For now, Wharton will remain at Crystal Palace, but the club’s willingness to consider a sale next summer means the midfielder could become a realistic option for Real Madrid in 2027.
