José Mourinho’s arrival at Real Madrid is already creating transfer speculation. Reports from Spain and Portugal now suggest the manager is looking at a trio of Portuguese players. This group includes targets at West Ham and Manchester City.
According to A Bola, Mourinho has identified Mateus Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and Rúben Dias as players of interest. He is now beginning planning for his new project in Madrid.
Of the three, the strongest link currently surrounds Mateus Fernandes.
West Ham star on Mourinho’s radar
A Bola, citing Spanish newspaper AS, reports that a major midfield overhaul has been requested by Mourinho. Mateus Fernandes fits the profile Real Madrid are seeking. We covered earlier claims around that.
The midfielder’s emergence was one of the stories of last season. Despite West Ham suffering relegation to the Championship, the Portuguese international’s performances consistently attracted attention. Moreover, these helped establish him as a player viewed at Premier League level.
According to the Portuguese newspaper, reports in England have placed a valuation of around €90m (£76.5m) on the player.
A Bola also notes that transfer fees are often inflated when deals take place between English clubs, potentially creating a different scenario if interest comes from elsewhere in Europe.
Manchester City duo enter the conversation
The other two Portuguese names mentioned by A Bola both have Manchester City connections.
Bernardo Silva is considered an attractive option because he is available as a free agent after leaving the Etihad. Furthermore, the report states that Barcelona remain well placed in that pursuit. Although, the midfielder recently suggested he has yet to make a final decision on his next club.
Rúben Dias is also said to have been discussed internally. A Bola references reporting from Britain which claims Real Madrid have examined the possibility of a move. Although, the newspaper presents that scenario as considerably less advanced than the interest in Mateus Fernandes.
In fact, the report explains that Mourinho’s priority for the back line is currently a left-footed defender. This defender must be capable of operating both as a centre-back and left-back. That profile has reportedly led Real Madrid towards Joško Gvardiol. Additionally, Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori is another target.
Mourinho arrived in Madrid on Tuesday and immediately began meetings with senior figures involved in the club’s planning.
According to A Bola, agent Jorge Mendes was among those present. This happened as preparations accelerated for the Portuguese manager’s return to the Bernabéu.
For now, Mateus Fernandes appears to be the most concrete of the three Portuguese names mentioned, with West Ham facing fresh attention around a player who has continued to attract elite-level interest despite the disappointment of relegation. But Manchester City will have to stay on their toes.