Mourinho granted special transfer control at Real Madrid

Jose Mourinho has been given exceptional control over Real Madrid’s summer recruitment following a high-stakes meeting at Madrid’s Hotel Santo Mauro on June 9. The club has shifted from signing youth to targeting established stars, prioritising immediate success over long-term projects.

The average age of signings has climbed from 21 in 2025 to nearly 29 this summer, with Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate arriving and Denzel Dumfries expected. The €55 million capture of Cucurella from Chelsea and the swift pursuit of Bernardo Silva underline that change.

Silva, set to leave Manchester City on a free transfer after interest from Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, joined on a two-year deal to add leadership, nonstop work rate and a fiercely competitive edge to the midfield. Defensive stability is also a priority. Konate joined after his Liverpool contract expired, and Dumfries is set to arrive from Inter Milan for €20m to replace Dani Carvajal.

Spain, Madrid

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