Still at Benfica, Mourinho already has targets in mind for Real Madrid | OneFootball

At a time when José Mourinho already has a date set to return to Real Madrid, even though there is still no official confirmation of a possible departure from Benfica, rumors are already beginning to emerge about the players who could accompany the Special One on a new adventure in Spain.

According to the English newspaper 'The Sun', Rodri is seen as one of Mourinho’s main targets to strengthen Real Madrid’s midfield in the next summer transfer window. The Spanish international, winner of the 2024 Ballon d'Or, has one year left on his contract with Manchester City, and negotiations over a renewal are currently said to be at a standstill.

The same publication also recalls recent statements by Rodri, in which the midfielder admitted that he would hardly turn down the chance to play for "the best clubs in the world," including "Los Blancos," despite his past ties to Atlético Madrid, Real’s eternal rival.

This season, Rodri has scored two goals in 32 appearances for Manchester City. The defensive midfielder remains one of the central figures in Pep Guardiola’s side, which is still fighting to win the Premier League, after already lifting the League Cup and the FA Cup.

It should be remembered that, with José Mourinho practically set for Real Madrid, the narrative presented by the Special One in Amoreira — where he claimed there was a 99% chance he would stay at Benfica — has fallen apart. The coach is expected to sign a contract valid until 2028, with the option of an additional year with Los Blancos.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇵🇹 here.