Story perspectives

Real Madrid Mulls Mourinho, Targets Joselu, Gomes Overhaul

5/19/2026

Summary

Real Madrid Overhaul

Real Madrid are weighing a squad overhaul while evaluating José Mourinho as prospective manager.
Mourinho wants to keep midfielder Federico Valverde, release midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, and sign midfielder João Gomes from Wolverhampton.
Real Madrid are linked with striker Joselu as a replacement for forward Kylian Mbappé, whose efficiency has dropped to one goal per 15 shots.

Summary

Mbappé Exit

Petition demanding Kylian Mbappé’s exit has topped 73 million signatures.
Kylian Mbappé’s Sardinia holiday with a hamstring injury drew criticism for abandoning teammates before the Espanyol game.
A heated argument with Alvaro Arbeloa’s staff in early May and walk-outs raised dressing-room tension.
President Florentino Pérez’s pending election adds uncertainty because president could accelerate a Kylian Mbappé sale.
Senior players Dani Carvajal, David Alaba and Dani Ceballos will leave at season’s end.

History

Historical Context

After winning the 2000 presidential election, Florentino Pérez launched the Galácticos era by buying Luís Figo for €60 million, then adding Zidane, Ronaldo and Beckham. The policy sparked on-field instability, leading Pérez to resign in February 2006. His 2009 return revived the spending model, prompting fresh fan petitions that echo the earlier backlash against costly, star-driven overhauls.

1 of 3

Real Madrid Overhaul

Real Madrid are weighing a squad overhaul while evaluating José Mourinho as prospective manager.
Mourinho wants to keep midfielder Federico Valverde, release midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, and sign midfielder João Gomes from Wolverhampton.
Real Madrid are linked with striker Joselu as a replacement for forward Kylian Mbappé, whose efficiency has dropped to one goal per 15 shots.

1 / 3