Real Madrid is thinking about signing a Sunderland player as the first new addition under Jose Mourinho.
Real Madrid is reportedly interested in a surprise Sunderland star who might become the first signing of Jose Mourinho’s second time in charge. Mourinho has apparently agreed to a two-year deal to come back to Los Blancos, 13 years after he was let go from his first spell as coach.
He will leave his current job as Benfica boss to take over from Alvaro Arbeloa, who announced on Friday that he’s stepping down after a season without trophies. Mourinho, who has asked for more control, is expected to help fix the problems at Real, where there have been a lot of clashes, big egos, and tension.
There are already talks about possible signings this summer. Defensa Central says finding a new right-back is a top priority because veteran captain Dani Carvajal is moving on after winning 27 trophies during his 23 years with the club. Trent Alexander-Arnold will likely stay for another season, but Real wants more options at right-back and is looking at three Premier League players, including Sunderland’s Trai Hulme.
The Northern Irish player had an impressive first Premier League season, playing 36 games for Sunderland, who might even qualify for Europe next season. The 24-year-old still has a contract until 2030 and is seen as a budget-friendly choice, with a possible fee of £19 million.
Other Premier League players on Real’s radar include Chelsea’s Josh Acheampong and Matt Wieffer, while Vanderson from Monaco and Givairo Read from Feyenoord are also being considered. Federico Valverde has sometimes played right-back for Real, and the club might also promote young players David Jimenez and Jesus Fortea.
Carvajal won’t be the only player leaving; Alaba is also set to leave on a free transfer. According to Portuguese news outlet Record, Mourinho is ready to sell goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, left-backs Fran Garcia and Ferland Mendy, midfielder Dani Ceballos, and striker Gonzalo Garcia.
Surprisingly, it’s said that star players like Vinicius Jr, Valverde, and Eduardo Camavinga could also be available for transfer as Mourinho plans big changes. Vinicius has a €1 billion release clause in his contract, but with no progress on a new deal, he might be sold before his contract ends in 2027.