Jose Mourinho hasn’t officially been confirmed as Real Madrid’s next permanent manager yet, but the legendary Portuguese coach has already made plans to revamp the squad.
Current boss Alvaro Arbeloa announced on Friday that he will leave the Bernabeu at the end of the season. Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano revealed earlier this week that Mourinho, who has led Benfica to an unbeaten season, will travel to Spain after Real Madrid’s final game of the season against Athletic Club on Saturday before signing an initial two-year deal.
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has turned to Mourinho, who managed the Spanish giants between 2010-2013, following a trophyless season plagued with various controversies.
The former Chelsea, Inter and Manchester United boss, 63, will be assigned the task of ensuring Real Madrid are immediately competing for Spain and Europe’s biggest trophies again next season.
10 Real Madrid Players on Mourinho's Axe List
Jose Mourinho Wants Premier League Star to Become First Real Madrid Signing
Portuguese outlet Record, via The Sun, claim Mourinho is ready to axe 10 members of the squad when he officially starts his role this summer.
Two of those players - veterans David Alaba and Dani Carvajal - are already confirmed to be leaving when their contracts expire at the end of the campaign.
However, eight other names are on Mourinho’s axe list, including back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, Spanish international left-back Fran Garcia, French international left-back Ferland Mendy, midfielder Dani Ceballos, and 22-year-old forward Gonzalo Garcia.
But the remaining three names are the biggest shocks.
Eduardo Camavinga, 23, doesn’t appear to be in Mourinho’s plans. The midfielder has failed to make France’s 2026 World Cup squad and could also be playing for a new club next season.
Eduardo Camavinga
Eduardo Camavinga
That Federico Valverde’s name is also on the axe list is an even bigger surprise. The Uruguay international, one of the world’s best midfielders, has been one of the few shining lights in an otherwise dismal campaign for Los Blancos.
However, his recent bust-up with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni may have convinced Mourinho to look at alternatives.
Federico Valverde
Federico Valverde
And then there’s the biggest surprise of all: Vinicius Junior will also be made available for transfer, according to the report.
While the 25-year-old Brazilian has blown hot and cold this season, he remains a world-class winger, capable of producing magical moments.
Vinicius Jr vs Bayern Munich
Vinicius Jr vs Bayern Munich
If all 10 players depart, Real Madrid will require an influx of top talent to ensure the squad is capable of challenging Barcelona and Europe’s elite.
It’s been reported that Mourinho’s number one transfer target ahead of the 2026-27 campaign is Manchester City’s Ballon d’Or-winning midfielder Rodri.