Italian journalist claims Mourinho made a late attempt to sign veteran midfielder for Real Madrid | OneFootball

Italian journalist Andrea Losapio has claimed on TuttoMercato (h/t Defensa Central) that Real Madrid attempted to sign Marcelo Brozovic as a free agent after the Croatian midfielder’s contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr expired.

The 33-year-old attracted the interest of Jose Mourinho, who is said to have personally called the former Inter Milan star in an attempt to convince him to move to Spain.

However, the two parties were unable to reach an agreement.

Brozovic remains without a club and could now return to Italian football. According to the journalist, the midfielder has already rejected approaches from Trabzonspor and Monaco, while Fiorentina are continuing negotiations over a possible move.

“The midfielder also received a call from Jose Mourinho, who was trying to find a solution for him to play in Spain. However, no agreement was reached,” Losapio said.

Mourinho tried to sign Brozovic for Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Experienced addition

If signed, Brozovic would have provided Mourinho with another option in midfield, particularly when it came to rotating the squad and controlling games from deeper positions.

It must be noted that Real Madrid had been searching for a midfielder of a similar profile all summer and had even come close to signing Rodri, who later chose to join FC Barcelona.

Brozovic would have offered experience, balance and control from the holding midfield position at Real Madrid.

At 33, the Croatian has enjoyed an outstanding career at the highest level, particularly during his time at Inter Milan, where he became an important figure over several seasons.

Brozovic is a free agent. (Photo by Abdullah Ahmed/Getty Images)

Despite his quality and experience, however, Real Madrid’s interest did not result in a deal.

Fiorentina pushing for a deal

Brozovic is still considering his next destination after leaving Al Nassr and has yet to make a definitive decision.

Fiorentina currently appear to be one of the strongest contenders for Brozovic’s signature. The Serie A club are continuing talks with the midfielder and hope to persuade him to return to Italy, although an agreement has yet to be reached.

As for Real Madrid, they decided against another midfield signing and are relying on Bernardo Silva as an option for the deep-lying playmaker role.