A wave of what the Spanish press has called new “signings” for Jose Mourinho have already reported for Real Madrid’s preseason camp.
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A wave of what the Spanish press has called new “signings” for Jose Mourinho have already reported for Real Madrid’s preseason camp.
Following Saturday’s 2-2 friendly draw to Fiorentina in Austria, Mourinho joked that the “good ones” were missing from his squad.
On Monday, three of them showed up. Namely, they are Vinicius Jr., Brahim Diaz and realistically the only new signing of the trio in Manchester City legend Bernardo Silva.
They’ll take and should pass their medicals, before then being able to complete their first training session under the orders of Silva’s compatriot as their joint mission to try and usurp FC Barcelona gets underway.
Coincidentally, it is in the Catalan capital that Los Blancos’ campaign kicks off. On August 22nd, they’ll travel to the RCDE Stadium to take on Barça’s crosstown foes Espanyol, in a ground that has proven tricky over the past two trophyless seasons.
Only just joining the 15-time Champions League winners this summer as part of a free transfer from City, Bernardo Silva has his role at the Bernabeu the clearest.
Though he could play in attacking midfield, he’s also an option on the right wing where the likes of Franco Mastantuono and Rodrygo have failed to nail down the spot in recent times.
The potential arrival of Yan Diomande from RB Leipzig might alter that picture. But with the German and Spanish clubs reported as being locked in a stalemate in talks for the teenager, nothing is set in stone.
As for Brahim, the sheer amount of competition for attacking berths means that he’s always linked with a possible move away. AC Milan and Juventus have been touted as two potential destinations, but he’s likely to remain an important squad player for Mourinho.
Vinicius’ Real Madrid future remains unclear
The Brazilian’s renewal soap opera dominates space in the soccer media landscape. As things stand, Vinicius is set to become a free agent in just under 11 months’ time while appearing unwilling to accept Madrid’s offer of extending terms that expire on June 30, 2027.
Arsenal is one party that could snatch the 26-year-old away. Yet it is now expected that Vinicius could sign on the dotted line for his current club after all, and dedicate the rest of his career peak to Real Madrid. On Mourinho’s watch, Vinicius could occupy the left wing or act in a striker pairing with high-scorer Kylian Mbappe.