Special one returning 

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José Mourinho is poised to return to Real Madrid as their new manager, 13 years after leaving amid a tempestuous relationship with leading players. It’s understood that an announcement confirming the 63-year-old appointment will be made after Benfica play their final game of Liga Portugal at the weekend, with Mourinho set to complete an invincible season. Mourinho will be tasked with repairing a fractured dressing room at Madrid in a season dominated by in-fighting with Barcelona dominant again in LaLiga.

Vinicius Junior fell out with Xabi Alonso, Kylian Mbappé is reportedly unpopular amongst teammates and caretaker Álvaro Arbeloa was unable to install calm. Moreover, the problems escalated and reached boiling point when Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni were fined after a heated argument. Some eyebrows have been raised over the decision to add the notoriously disputatious Special One into a turbulent environment but he was always the leading candidate for the all-powerful president Florentino Perez – who cited Transfermarkt’s famed market values in an extraordinary press conference on Wednesday. Mourinho’s inbox on his arrival back at the Santiago Bernabeu will be substantial but revamping an unbalanced squad will be amongst his priorities and we’ve analysed five players facing an uncertain future.

Five Real Madrid stars facing uncertain futures

Vinicius Jr has been in excellent form in 2026 with Harry Kane the only top five league player to score more goals across all competitions. The Brazilian’s future, however, remains up in the air as he’s yet to sign a new contract and he will enter the last 12 months of his deal this summer. The situation around Vini Jr is quite simple – he signs a new deal or he’s sold. Madrid can’t allow one of their prized assets to leave on a free and Mourinho’s input will be pivotal to the club’s decision. It’s been widely reported that the 25-year-old wants parity with Mbappe’s wages, which could prove problematic.

Valverde has been one of Madrid’s best players across recent seasons and has captained the club regularly. But his bust-up with Tchoumaenci has cast doubt on his long-term future at Los Blancos. Despite publicly backing him in his aforementioned press conference, Perez is privately unhappy about Valverde’s conduct, believing him to have instigated the disagreement, according to several reports. Speculative reports in England have suggested that Manchester United could test Madrid’s resolve but Valverde has all the characteristics that Mourinho would love.

Madrid face a delicate financial situation fuelled mainly by the redevelopment of the Bernabeu and they will need to be smart in the transfer market this summer. Players will need to leave before Mourinho can shape his squad and it seems destined that Eduardo Camavinga will depart. The Frenchman is contracted until 2029 but he’s only started 15 games in LaLiga this season and Madrid would likely recoup a fee close to his €50m market value.

Dani Ceballos is another midfielder with no real future at Madrid. The Spanish international is a solid squad player but he’s reportedly on a substantial wage and Madrid aren’t really receiving a return on their investment. The 29-year-old won’t generate a huge transfer fee but he’ll free up some wages that could be used better elsewhere. Ajax, Fenerbahce, Real Betis and Juventus have all been linked and he won’t be short of suitors.

Brahim Diaz could generate Madrid a good transfer fee this summer, which could be reinvested to back Mourinho to secure his top targets. The winger hasn’t scored a single goal in 27 league appearances this season and there’s far better attacking players ahead of him in the pecking order – Nicolas Paz will also return in the summer. Valued at €35m, Diaz has been linked with PSG, Benfica, Fenerbahce and Borussia Dortmund.