Real Madrid complete returns as Bellingham reports back
Mourinho is yet to settle on his starting right-back, alternating Trent Alexander-Arnold and Denzel Dumfries in pre-season as the Dutchman’s versatility keeps the battle open.
Endrick has chosen to stay at Real Madrid despite loan interest, with Mourinho offering a clearer chance to back up Mbappé, though competition from new striker Carlos Espí remains.
Manchester United are tracking Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni, but both are keen to stay at Real Madrid, while Tchouameni is also said to have a verbal contract agreement.
Arsenal explored a move for Vinicius Junior before he renewed with Real Madrid. His entourage reportedly thanked the club for their efforts and left open the chance of future talks.
Arsenal could listen to offers for Martin Zubimendi after signing Bruno Guimarães, but a Real Madrid move looks unlikely unless Mourinho’s midfield options are reduced by an exit.
Opta’s supercomputer ranks Real Madrid 2nd in La Liga with a 31% title chance, behind Barcelona, as Mourinho begins a new era before the season starts away at Espanyol.
José Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid, with the club betting his second spell can revive fortunes despite mixed results elsewhere since his first stint ended.
Alexis Ciria, Mario Rivas, Joan Martínez and Daniel Yáñez have caught Mourinho’s eye in pre-season, with injuries and delayed returns opening a path towards first-team chances.
Eduardo Camavinga has rejected Manchester United’s approach and wants to stay at Real Madrid. Despite a reported €40m valuation, the midfielder expects a bigger role under Mourinho.
Vinicius Junior captained Real Madrid against Deportivo, with Endrick up front, Brahim Díaz and Arda Guler in support, and Rudiger making his first pre-season start alongside Dean Huijsen.
Vinicius Junior was jeered by Deportivo fans in a friendly, continuing the hostility he has faced in Spain. Real Madrid have tied the winger down with a contract extension until 2032.
Real Madrid beat Deportivo 1-0 at Riazor as Brahim Díaz finished a counter he started from Lunin’s save. Endrick was denied, Espí had a goal ruled out, and Dumfries made a key late block.
Valverde faces scrutiny under Mourinho after a poor season and leadership questions, with Bernardo Silva’s arrival adding midfield competition and testing his response.
Jacobo Ortega’s proposed move to Strasbourg has collapsed. Real Madrid had expected €8m for 50% of his rights, but the youngster still looks likely to leave this summer.
Real Madrid now have five right-wing options - Bernardo Silva, Yan Diomande, Endrick, Fede Valverde and Brahim Diaz - giving Mourinho varied profiles in a long-problem position.
Jude Bellingham has returned to Valdebebas after England’s 3rd-place World Cup finish, completing Real Madrid’s player returns with a medical check and first session back on the grass.
Real Madrid are adding the Bernabeu’s illuminated name and crest to the Castellana facade, with an LED sign inside and a possible photo-point structure outside.
The 2027 Spanish Super Cup will be held in Istanbul from 2-7 February, with Real Madrid set to face Real Sociedad in the semi-finals at Ataturk Olympic Stadium.
