Real Madrid have endured two trophyless seasons with the 2025/26 campaign arguably one of the worst in the club’s illustrious history with dressing room discord undermining the efforts of Xabi Alonso and Alvaro Arbeloa.
Having strengthened his position as president by seeing off the challenge of Enrique Riquelme, Florentino Perez brought Jose Mourinho back to the Santiago Bernabeu and tasked with him with returning the club to glory both domestically and in Europe.
Perez promised to spend big as part of his new mandate but progress so far has been steady rather than spectacular with Marc Cucurella the most lavish investment, the Spain full-back brought in from Chelsea for a fee that could rise to £51.8million.
Denzel Dumfries arrived from Inter Milan for £17.1m while experienced duo Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate joined on free transfers after their contracts expired at Manchester City and Liverpool respectively.
However, that level of prudence is set to end with two big-name players seemingly set to join the Mourinho revolution.
The first will be Yan Diomande, the Ivory Coast winger. Madrid have been locked in talks with RB Leipzig for several weeks and, after a brief stand-off, a resolution appears close.
The 19-year-old is likely to cost Madrid in the region of £102m, making him the most expensive African player of all time. The fee also represents a remarkable piece of business for Leipzig, who signed him from Leganes for £17m just 12 months ago.
Diomande is likely to be joined in the Spanish capital by Rodri. Manchester City’s insistence on keeping the Ballon d’Or and World Cup winner appears to have weakened and talks have reportedly started that would see the 30-year-old return to La Liga after a glorious seven-year spell at the Etihad.
Madrid are not just making progress on players coming in.
Vinicius Jr’s long-standing contract issue is drawing to a conclusion with Madrid’s latest offer likely to be accepted. The Brazilian has less than 12 months left on his current deal, prompting Premier League champions Arsenal to make tentative enquiries, a move that appears to have galvanised Madrid into getting a deal done.
The addition of Diomande and Rodri, as well as keeping Vinicius Jr, would require a huge outlay from Madrid but would provide Mourinho with a new-look line up that would surely get the 15-time European champions back on the right footing.
Here is how they could line-up next season:
GOALKEEPER
Thibaut Courtois
No change here with Courtois well-established as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. The giant Belgian is a key cog in the Madrid machine.
DEFENDERS
Right-back
Denzel Dumfries
The Netherlands international has been one of the stand-out right-backs in European football over the past few years and his willingness to drive forward and support the attack ought to give Madrid a new dimension. Right-back was a problem last season with Trent Alexander-Arnold struggling for full fitness and Dani Carvajal falling out of favour. That often led to Federico Valverde playing out of position but that should not happen this term.
Central Defender
Ibrahima Konate
Konate will probably get the nod over Dean Huijsen due to his physicality. Struggled with off-field issues at Liverpool last season and remains prone to the odd mistake but is set to make up a rugged central pairing with Antonio Rudiger.
Central Defender
Antonio Rudiger
The Germany international is now 33 but remains an important member of the Madrid side. Quite similar to Konate in playing style, Rudiger is also an influential voice in the Madrid dressing room. Has been accused of not always using his status wisely but his combative nature is likely to sit well with Mourinho.
Left-back
Marc Cucurella
There will be no lack of fight in the Madrid defence next season with Cucurella another who will bring a competitive edge. The outstanding full-back at the World Cup, Cucurella will end Madrid’s problem down the left of their defence.
MIDFIELDERS
Rodri
The best in the world in the holding midfield role and arguably the best ever. The Spain international controls the tempo of the game, always looks to play forward and pass through the lines and also comes up with important goals. If Madrid can prise him away from City, it would transform their prospects overnight.
Federico Valverde
Endured a pretty woeful 2025/26 season that saw him shunted between midfield and defence and ended in a training ground fracas with Aurelien Tchouameni that saw him hospitalised. There were bright spots, a brilliant hat-trick against Manchester City in the Champions League, that showed again what he is capable of. The Uruguayan will benefit from some Mourinho love.
Jude Bellingham
Bellingham is another who struggled to find top gear last season but a brilliant World Cup with England means he should be full of confidence ahead of the new campaign. Technically good, physically strong and good with the ball at his feet – Bellingham possesses every quality required in a modern-day midfielder.
ATTACKERS
Right-wing
Yan Diomande
Yes, Diomande has predominately played on the left but at just 19 years of age, there is no reason why he can’t learn the skills required to play on the opposite side. Quick, strong and deadly in a one-on-one, he will provide great balance to a Madrid attack that has looked lop-sided at times.
Left-wing
Vinicius Jr
The Brazil international often looked disinterested last season and the Bernabeu crowd were quick to let him know they were not impressed. The 26-year-old, who will return to Spain with a new look, will likely use that as fuel to show he is still the star player that has tormented defences over the years. That will be music to Mourinho’s ears.
Striker
Kylian Mbappe
Like Vinicius, Mbappe has endured a love-hate relationship with the Madrid fanbase at times. The ability is unquestionable and his record in Spain of 86 goals across two seasons show he is the perfect man to lead the attack.
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