Real Madrid cool Rodri talk, secure teen talent
Kylian Mbappe targets the Golden Boot, aiming to outscore Lionel Messi, and seeks a winning send-off for Didier Deschamps in France’s World Cup third-place match vs England.
José Mourinho will meet Thiago Pitarch to decide his 2026-27 role after the 18-year-old’s breakthrough under Álvaro Arbeloa, including starts vs Manchester City and Bayern Munich, and Spain U19 glory.
Marc Cucurella says he would retire from Spain duty and get a De La Fuente tattoo if Spain beat Argentina in the World Cup final, after starring at left-back this summer.
Real Madrid rule out a move for Rodri despite dressing-room support and Mourinho’s push. The board are unhappy with constant links, while the player’s camp is surprised by Madrid’s stance.
Madrid, after signing Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella, feel the squad can fight for La Liga and the Champions League. Mourinho will assess roles early in pre-season.
Real Madrid land 15-year-old winger Raul Lema from Deportivo La Coruna, beating Barcelona and clubs from England and Portugal. The Spain U16 left-footer will sign a three-year deal for La Fabrica.
Madrid will sell Vinicius Jr this summer if no renewal is agreed. Mourinho wants clarity. Talks are stalled, with the club’s offer around €20m net, reportedly €6-10m below the player’s demands.
Lothar Matthaus says Bayern will not negotiate Michael Olise’s exit and aim to renew him, despite the winger’s wish to join Real Madrid and Perez’s admiration. A move looks highly unlikely.
New signing Ibrahima Konate struggled in France’s 6-4 loss to England, losing 3 of 4 duels before being subbed at half-time. He now turns to starting life at Real Madrid after a tough World Cup.
Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham scored seven goals at the 2026 World Cup, the most by any England player at a single major tournament, surpassing Gary Lineker and Harry Kane, capped by a strike vs France.
With Ibrahima Konate arriving, Jose Mourinho will closely assess centre-backs Dean Huijsen and Raul Asencio in pre-season. Rudiger and a fit Militao lead the pecking order, and Asencio could be sold.
