• Jose Mourinho will fly from Lisbon to Madrid on Wednesday to seal his return to Real Madrid
• The 63-year-old has agreed a three-year contract with the Spanish giants
• Benfica have appointed former Fulham boss Marco Silva as Mourinho’s replacement
• Alvaro Arbeloa’s exit as interim coach has cleared the way for Mourinho’s arrival
• Florentino Perez’s election victory on Sunday confirmed the conditions for the move

Jose Mourinho is travelling to Spain on Wednesday afternoon. He will complete his return to Real Madrid. The Portuguese manager will sign a three-year contract with the La Liga club.

Mourinho will fly from Lisbon to the Spanish capital. When he arrives, he will go straight to the training ground. He will start work immediately. There will be no press conference or welcome ceremony today. These events will happen later this week.

Real Madrid will release an official statement on Wednesday confirming the appointment. Mourinho will bring five coaches with him to the club.

The way is now clear for Mourinho because Alvaro Arbeloa has left his role. Arbeloa was the interim first-team coach. Real Madrid thanked him for his loyalty and hard work in a statement on Tuesday evening.

Benfica announced their new manager on Tuesday night. They have appointed Marco Silva to replace Mourinho. Silva previously managed Fulham. He has signed a two-year deal with the Portuguese club. There is an option for one extra year.

Mourinho could not start work earlier because of the presidential election at Real Madrid. Florentino Perez won the election on Sunday. He defeated Enrique Riquelme. Perez confirmed immediately that Mourinho would return to the club.

“We have won the elections,” Perez said. “We will continue working to win titles. We are proud to welcome back Jose Mourinho. He is one of the best coaches in the world.”

Mourinho originally planned to start work two weeks ago. This was after Real Madrid played their final La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao. However, he had to wait for the election to finish.

• Atletico Madrid reject a €150m (£129m) offer from Real Madrid for striker Julian Alvarez
• The club mocks their rivals on social media, claiming they cause more laughter than Barcelona
• Alvarez’s contract runs until 2030 and includes a €500m (£431m) release clause
• Real Madrid president Florentino Perez promised a record ‘galactico’ signing after winning re-election
• The bid exceeds any previous transfer fee paid by the Spanish giants

Atletico Madrid have publicly ridiculed their city rivals following the rejection of a historic €150m bid for forward Julian Alvarez. The club’s official social media team took to X to poke fun at the offer, suggesting the Madrid giants provide more comedy than Barcelona.

The La Liga champions confirmed they received the proposal, which would have set a new club record. However, Atletico quickly dismissed the deal. They pointed to the Argentine striker’s massive €500m buy-out clause and reminded everyone of his long-term contract that extends to 2030.

In a sharp online post, Atletico wrote: “You appear to confuse education with gratitude, but we thank you for nothing. We do not study or consider any proposal for Julian. How could we fail to get along when you make us laugh even more than Barcelona?” The message also referenced previous tensions regarding youth academy players.

This incident follows a similar episode in May when Atletico accused Barcelona of spreading false information during their attempt to sign the same player.

The huge bid comes after Florentino Perez secured re-election as Real president. During his campaign, he vowed to secure a superstar signing immediately after winning. This promise followed his rival Enrique Riquelme’s pledge to bring Erling Haaland to the club, which involved displaying a shirt with the striker’s name.

Perez later spoke to Spanish television station Horizonte. The 79-year-old confirmed he would present an offer worth around €150m to a major Champions League club. He ruled out moves for Michael Olise, Jeremy Doku and Erling Haaland. He also confirmed the target is not from the Premier League and plays in midfield with attacking qualities.

The president’s return is also expected to lead to Jose Mourinho becoming manager. Interim coach Alvaro Arbeloa will depart. Additionally, the club plans to announce deals for defenders Ibrahima Konate and Denzel Dumfries.

• Real Madrid have seen a €150 million offer for striker Julian Alvarez rejected by city rivals Atletico Madrid
• The approach came after Florentino Perez won re-election as Real Madrid president on Sunday
• Atletico dismissed the bid by citing the player’s €500 million release clause before mocking their neighbours on social media
• The Spanish giants also confirmed Jose Mourinho will replace Alvaro Arbeloa as head coach
• Alvarez joined Atletico from Manchester City in 2024 and scored 20 goals last season

Real Madrid’s attempt to sign Argentine forward Julian Alvarez from local rivals Atletico Madrid has ended in failure. The European champions tabled a bid worth €150 million (£130 million). However, Atletico turned down the offer immediately.

Club president Florentino Perez had promised to pursue a “galactico” signing if he secured another term in office. He won re-election last weekend. The bid for Alvarez was his attempt to fulfil that campaign pledge.

Atletico dismissed the proposal through an official statement. They pointed to Alvarez’s release clause, which stands at €500 million (£430 million). The club then took to social media platform X to mock their neighbours. They posted laughing emojis alongside Real Madrid’s official statement. A follow-up message accused Real of confusing “education with gratitude” and insisted they would not consider any offer for the player.

The 26-year-old striker joined Atletico from Manchester City last year. The deal cost £81.5 million. He found the net 20 times in 49 matches during his first campaign. His performances helped the club reach the Champions League semi-finals and finish fourth in La Liga.

Meanwhile, Real Madrid confirmed that head coach Alvaro Arbeloa will leave his post. The former defender took charge in January. He replaced Xabi Alonso but will depart after a season without trophies.

Jose Mourinho is expected to succeed him. The Portuguese manager has signed a three-year contract. He previously led Real between 2010 and 2013. His appointment was a key promise in Perez’s election campaign. The club issued a statement thanking Arbeloa for his service and loyalty.

• Thomas Tuchel warns Jude Bellingham faces stiff competition for England starting role
• Real Madrid star has started only four matches under German manager since January 2025
• Morgan Rogers emerges as preferred option with 12 appearances from 13 games
• Tuchel claims squad contains 14 or 15 players capable of starting matches
• Bellingham captained second half of World Cup warm-up victory against New Zealand

England manager Thomas Tuchel has warned Jude Bellingham that he faces a difficult battle to secure a place in the starting eleven for the 2026 World Cup. Speaking to reporters in Florida, the German coach explained that the Real Madrid midfielder is competing with 14 or 15 other players who could all claim a starting spot.

Bellingham has struggled for regular game time since Tuchel took charge in January 2025. The 22-year-old has started only four matches under the new boss. He has made three further appearances as a substitute. In contrast, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers has become a key player. The attacking midfielder has featured in 12 of Tuchel’s 13 matches in charge. Rogers also played in all eight of England’s World Cup qualifying matches.

Speaking to reporters in Florida, Tuchel confirmed the competition for places. “Yes, he has a fight on his hands,” the manager said. “He knows he is one of the starters. However, we have 14 or 15 potential starters. These roles can change, but right now we have many proper starters. Jude is one of them.”

The situation marks a big change for Bellingham. He started all seven matches at Euro 2024 and missed only 29 minutes of the tournament. But injuries have damaged his chances under Tuchel. A shoulder problem kept him out of two qualifiers last September. He was then left out of the October squad for matches including a qualifier against Latvia.

Bellingham returned in November but missed friendly matches in March due to a hamstring injury. His relationship with Tuchel has also faced difficulties. Last June, Tuchel called Bellingham’s behaviour during a defeat against Senegal “repulsive”. The manager later said sorry for this comment. In November, Tuchel promised to “review” Bellingham’s conduct after he reacted badly to being substituted against Albania.

However, recent signs suggest the situation is improving. Bellingham impressed during Saturday’s 1-0 warm-up win against New Zealand in Tampa. He came on at half-time and wore the captain’s armband. Tuchel believes the player has now found the right condition for the tournament.

“You can see Jude has decisiveness and bite,” Tuchel explained. “This is his key characteristic. He comes back from injury full of energy and happy to be on the pitch. He missed a decisive part of the season with Real Madrid in the Champions League. This was unfortunate for him and the club. But now he is in a sweet spot. He is fresh, wants to play, and is in top shape.”

• Manchester United are confident they can beat Manchester City to sign Elliot Anderson from Nottingham Forest
• Tottenham Hotspur are in advanced talks to buy winger Savinho from Manchester City for £60 million
• Real Madrid want to sign Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez this summer
• Arsenal have sacked their head doctor Zafar Iqbal following their Champions League final defeat
• Juventus are now targeting Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez after failing to sign Alisson

Manchester United believe they will win the race for Elliot Anderson. The Red Devils want to sign the midfielder from Nottingham Forest. Manchester City also want the 23-year-old Scotland international. However, United’s bosses think they can complete the deal. Forest value the player at £100 million.

Tottenham Hotspur are close to signing a Manchester City winger. The North London club are talking to City about Savinho. The Brazilian could move for £60 million. Spurs want to strengthen their attack before next season.

Real Madrid are interested in Enzo Fernandez. The Spanish giants want to buy the Chelsea midfielder this summer. Sources close to the Argentina star say the deal could cost £120 million. Fernandez joined Chelsea from Benfica in 2023.

Arsenal have sacked their head doctor. Zafar Iqbal lost his job just days after the Champions League final. The Gunners lost that match to Paris Saint-Germain. The club gave no reason for the decision.

Juventus need a new goalkeeper. They wanted Liverpool’s Alisson Becker. But they missed out on the Brazil international. Now they are looking at Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez. The Argentina star helped Villa reach the Champions League.

Newcastle United will soon make their first summer signing. They want French goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen. The 20-year-old will join from Guingamp. Meanwhile, World Cup referees will earn record fees. England’s Michael Oliver and Anthony Taylor will each get £75,000 for the tournament.

• Jose Mourinho will become the new head coach at Real Madrid following Florentino Perez’s victory in the presidential election
• Perez won 65 per cent of votes to extend his presidency at the Spanish club until 2030
• Mourinho signed a three-year contract last month that was conditional on Perez remaining in office
• The Portuguese manager is leaving Benfica to replace interim boss Alvaro Arbeloa
• Mourinho previously coached Real Madrid from 2010 to 2013, winning the league title and domestic cups

Jose Mourinho is set to make a dramatic return to Real Madrid. The move was confirmed after Florentino Perez won the club’s presidential election.

Perez will stay in charge at the Bernabeu until 2030. The 79-year-old secured 65 per cent of the vote to defeat his challenger. This marked the first contested election for the position in 20 years.

Businessman Enrique Riquelme stood against Perez but managed only 35 per cent of the ballot. The incumbent president won all postal and in-person votes counted. He received 21,741 votes compared to Riquelme’s 11,814.

Mourinho put pen to paper on a three-year deal last month. However, the agreement only became valid if Perez kept his position. The 63-year-old is now departing his role at Benfica. He led the Portuguese side to third place in the Primeira Liga after joining them in September.

This will be Mourinho’s second spell in charge of the Spanish giants. He previously managed the team between 2010 and 2013. During that period he lifted the La Liga trophy, the Copa del Rey and the Spanish Super Cup.

Perez addressed the media at a special press conference following his victory. He spoke about his plans to bring more success to the club. He also confirmed that Mourinho would take over as head coach.

“We are proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world,” said Perez. “Jose Mourinho is a true Madridista.”

The appointment means Mourinho will replace Alvaro Arbeloa. The former defender became interim manager in January following Xabi Alonso’s departure.

Real Madrid ended the 2025-26 campaign without any silverware. Their city rivals Barcelona clinched the La Liga title after a 2-0 victory in El Clasico.

The club operates under a unique ownership model. Real Madrid is owned entirely by its members, who elect the president to lead the organisation.

• Thomas Tuchel states Jude Bellingham is one of 14 or 15 players competing for starting positions at the World Cup
• Morgan Rogers featured in more qualifying matches than the Real Madrid midfielder
• Declan Rice confirmed as England vice-captain when Harry Kane is unavailable
• Bellingham captained the Three Lions during the second half of the victory against New Zealand
• England preparing for World Cup opener against Croatia on June 17

England manager Thomas Tuchel has told Jude Bellingham he must fight hard to keep his place in the starting eleven for the upcoming World Cup. The German coach explained that the Real Madrid star faces strong competition from within the squad.

Speaking from the team’s training base in West Palm Beach, Florida, Tuchel made it clear that no player has a guaranteed spot. He stated that Bellingham is “one of 14 or 15 potential starters” vying for positions in the first eleven. This news comes despite the 22-year-old wearing the captain’s armband during the second half of Saturday’s 1-0 friendly win over New Zealand.

The competition for places is intense. Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers played in all eight World Cup qualifying matches, while Bellingham featured in only four. Tuchel selected Rogers ahead of the former Borussia Dortmund man during that campaign.

However, Tuchel praised Bellingham’s current condition. “He looks good in training,” the coach said. “He has had his break and now shows hunger to be back. After injury, this is normal. He is so happy to be on the pitch.”

Tuchel also revealed his leadership structure for the tournament. Declan Rice will serve as vice-captain and take the armband whenever Harry Kane is not on the pitch. Rice has captained England twice before. Despite Bellingham’s brief stint as skipper against New Zealand, Tuchel explained this was simply because he had the most international caps among the players on the field at that moment.

The England boss continues to keep details about his “leadership group” private. This small team of senior players meets separately to discuss tactics with Tuchel and his assistant Anthony Barry. Tuchel maintained this system from previous manager Gareth Southgate.

Preparations continue with a closed-door friendly against Miami United this week. Arsenal players Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke have now joined the camp after their club commitments ended. England faces Costa Rica in Orlando on Wednesday before opening their World Cup campaign against Croatia on June 17.

Tuchel urged his squad to maintain unity despite the fierce competition. “We want brotherhood,” he said. “The players want to impress me, but they must do it together. We do not want players on the bench hoping their teammate plays badly. They must push each other in the right way.”

• Jose Mourinho will officially become Real Madrid’s new manager after Florentino Perez won the presidential election
• Perez secured 65% of votes to remain president until 2030, defeating challenger Enrique Riquelme
• Mourinho signed a three-year contract last month, but it only became valid after Perez’s victory
• The Portuguese coach is leaving Benfica to replace Alvaro Arbeloa at the Bernabeu
• Perez has promised to sign a “great player” for a club record fee this summer

Jose Mourinho is set to return to the Santiago Bernabeu after Florentino Perez secured another term as Real Madrid president. The 79-year-old won the club election with 65% of the vote, ensuring the Portuguese coach’s three-year deal becomes active.

Perez faced his first challenger in two decades, Enrique Riquelme, but dominated the ballot with 21,741 votes against 11,814. The victory means Perez will lead the Spanish giants until 2030, having first taken office in 2009.

Mourinho, aged 63, agreed to join the club last month on the condition that Perez remained in charge. The former Chelsea and Manchester United boss will now leave Benfica, where he spent just one season and guided them to third place in the Portuguese league.

This marks Mourinho’s second spell at the Bernabeu. Between 2010 and 2013, he won La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup. He replaces Alvaro Arbeloa, who became interim manager in January following Xabi Alonso’s exit.

Real Madrid finished the 2025-26 campaign without any trophies after Barcelona claimed the La Liga title with a 2-0 El Clasico win. Perez has promised supporters a record-breaking signing to strengthen the squad.

Speaking after his victory, Perez said: “We will fight until the end to achieve the 16th European Cup. We are proud to welcome back one of the best coaches in the world, a true Madridista like Jose Mourinho.”

• Real Madrid are targeting West Ham United’s Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes following the London club’s relegation.
• Brighton & Hove Albion have turned down a second approach from Tottenham Hotspur for defender Jan Paul van Hecke.
• Manchester United may allow defender Harry Maguire to depart just months after he signed a contract extension.
• Liverpool are considering using forward Cody Gakpo as part of a deal to sign RB Leipzig’s teenage winger Yan Diomande.
• Bayern Munich have rejected a £130m bid from Real Madrid for French winger Michael Olise.

Real Madrid have entered the race to sign Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes. The 21-year-old currently plays for West Ham United. The London club recently dropped out of the Premier League. Spanish giants Real see this as a chance to secure his signature.

Brighton & Hove Albion have rejected another bid from Tottenham Hotspur. Spurs want to sign Dutch centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke. The Seagulls have turned down the offer. The 25-year-old will stay on the south coast for now.

Manchester United could sell England defender Harry Maguire this summer. The 33-year-old only signed a new deal a few months ago. However, the club might still let him leave.

Inter Milan have made an offer for Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones. The Italian club’s bid is below Liverpool’s asking price. The 25-year-old England international remains a target for the Serie A side.

Liverpool are exploring a deal for Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande. The 19-year-old plays for RB Leipzig. The Reds may use Dutch forward Cody Gakpo as a bargaining tool. Gakpo is 27 years old.

Bayern Munich have no plans to sell Michael Olise. Real Madrid reportedly offered £130 million for the French winger. The German champions want to keep the 24-year-old.

Bernardo Silva has spoken about his future. The 31-year-old Portugal midfielder could leave Manchester City. He admitted that Barcelona is a possible destination. He has not made a final decision yet.

Juventus are looking for a new goalkeeper. They have identified Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario as their top choice. The 29-year-old Italy international plays for the London club.

Coventry City have made a club-record bid. They offered £20 million for goalkeeper Carl Rushworth. The 24-year-old helped Coventry win promotion while on loan from Brighton last term. The English keeper is still contracted to Brighton.

Paris Saint-Germain may compete with Arsenal for Morgan Gibbs-White. This comes after Sunday’s reports.

• Herbert Hainer tells Florentino Pérez to abandon pursuit of Michael Olise
• Bayern Munich insist they will reject any incoming offers for the winger
• Olise recently named the Bundesliga’s Best Player of the Season
• Reports suggest Real Madrid are preparing a bid despite Bayern’s stance

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has sent a clear message to Real Madrid chief Florentino Pérez regarding Michael Olise. The Bundesliga club have no plans to sell the highly-rated French winger.

Speaking to Bild on Sunday, Hainer dismissed speculation linking Olise with a move to Spain. He stated that Pérez should not waste time preparing a bid. “No offer has arrived, but he can save himself the trouble,” Hainer said. “The player has a long-term contract with us. We are not a selling club.”

The 24-year-old has emerged as a key target for the Spanish giants. Recent reports suggested he featured prominently in Real Madrid’s presidential election discussions. However, Bayern’s firm stance appears to block any potential deal.

Although Pérez has publicly stated that their next major signing target is not Olise, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano claims otherwise. Romano reports that the record Champions League winners are preparing a formal proposal for the Bundesliga’s top performer this season. Olise is now preparing to represent France in his first major international tournament this summer.