Real Madrid gets ready for big changes as Jose Mourinho arrives, letting go of nine players in a major clear-out.
It looks like up to nine Real Madrid players might be leaving the club this summer as the soon-to-be manager, José Mourinho, plans to rebuild the team after a tough 2025/26 season. Even though head coach Álvaro Arbeloa is still in charge, it seems his time might be coming to an end since Real Madrid missed out on winning any major trophies for the second year in a row.
Last week was especially difficult for the club and president Florentino Pérez. Fede Valverde had to go to the hospital after a clash with teammate Aurélien Tchouaméni left him with a head cut. Because of this injury, Valverde missed the 2-0 loss to Barcelona in El Clásico at Camp Nou, where Barcelona was crowned La Liga champions with three games left.
On May 12, reports said Mourinho is in the final talks to return as Real Madrid’s manager. He previously coached the team from 2010 to 2013. Even though he’s still under contract with Benfica until 2027, there’s a £2.6 million break clause that could allow him to join Real soon after the season ends.
According to Spanish news outlet ABC, Real Madrid’s squad might look very different once Mourinho settles in. They say up to nine players could be sold, loaned out, or leave on free transfers after the current season ends.
Veteran defenders David Alaba and Dani Carvajal are expected to leave when their contracts run out this summer. Midfielder Dani Ceballos is probably going to move on since he’s not needed anymore. Young Argentine Franco Mastantuono, who joined from River Plate in 2025, will likely be loaned out. The club also wants to sell Eduardo Camavinga, Raúl Asencio, Gonzalo García, and Fran García. Backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin might leave too if a good offer comes in.
Mourinho is also planning to bring in his own team of staff but Real will likely provide him with an assistant coach already within the club. Goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis, medical director Niko Mihic, and fitness coach Antonio Pintus are trusted by Pérez and are expected to stay on and support Mourinho.