Jose Mourinho to overhaul Real Madrid defence

Real Madrid will appoint Jose Mourinho as manager in the coming days following Florentino Perez's re‑election as president. Perez confirmed that Real Madrid have paid Benfica a €15 million release clause to free Mourinho from the final year of his contract in Lisbon. The club also announced a €150 million bid for a Galactico signing this week and confirmed the arrivals of Inter right wing‑back Denzel Dumfries and Liverpool centre‑back Ibrahima Konate.

Mourinho says the primary issue for Real Madrid is defensive solidity rather than midfield creativity. He aims to cut the 64 goals conceded in 56 games this season.

Manchester City’s Josko Gvardiol and Riccardo Calafiori have been linked to Real Madrid, with Calafiori reportedly a request from Mourinho. Both players can operate as centre‑back or left‑back, and Mourinho expects a left‑back and a top central defender to join before the summer ends.

Real Madrid have struggled defensively for two seasons, a problem that intensified after Toni Kroos retired. The club’s desire to address the defensive frailties has grown steadily.