Real Madrid welcomed another wave of returning first-team players on Monday as Vinicius Junior, Bernardo Silva, and Brahim Díaz officially began preseason work under José Mourinho at Valdebebas.
The three players underwent their routine medical examinations before taking part in their first training sessions of the summer, bringing Mourinho one step closer to having a complete squad available ahead of La Liga’s opening match against Espanyol on August 22.
While Bernardo Silva’s debut training session
in white and Brahim’s fight for a bigger role attracted attention, much of the spotlight remained on Vinicius, whose contract situation is expected to reach a pivotal stage this week.
Vinicius returns amid contract uncertainty
Vinicius arrived at Valdebebas shortly before 8:30 a.m. after enjoying an extended four-week break following Brazil’s World Cup campaign. The club deliberately granted the Brazilian additional rest after an exhausting 2025-26 season in which he logged more minutes than any other Real Madrid player before heading directly into international duty.
Despite months of speculation surrounding his future, Monday’s return unfolded without any visible drama. The winger completed his medical tests alongside Bernardo Silva and Brahim before returning to the training pitch, where he participated in a carefully managed session focused on physical conditioning, strength work, and light ball exercises.
According to reports from Spain, Vinicius has returned in excellent physical condition and appeared relaxed throughout the day despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.
His current contract expires in 2027, leaving Real Madrid with an important decision to make if an extension cannot be agreed upon. Both the club and the player are understood to prefer reaching a renewal, but negotiations remain complicated, with significant differences still separating the two sides.
Face-to-face meetings between Vinicius’ representatives and club president Florentino Pérez are expected this week as both parties attempt to determine whether a new agreement is possible. Should negotiations ultimately collapse, Madrid could consider selling the Brazilian this summer rather than risk losing him for free when his contract expires.
Premier League champions Arsenal continue to monitor the situation closely and have been repeatedly linked with the winger.
First meeting with Mourinho
Monday also marked Vinicius’ first public training session under Mourinho following the controversy that erupted after Real Madrid’s Champions League match in Lisbon earlier this year.
The Portuguese manager had faced criticism for comments made after the match regarding Vinicius’ goal celebration following racist abuse directed at the Brazilian from sections of the crowd.
The two greeted one another with a handshake and brief conversation before training began, with no visible signs of tension during their first on-field meeting.
Bernardo Silva begins his Madrid chapter
Another major storyline from Monday was Bernardo Silva’s first day as a Real Madrid player.
The Portuguese international officially joined Mourinho’s squad after completing his move from Manchester City, a transfer that reportedly came after the coach personally pushed for the signing.
Silva arrives after turning down interest from both Barcelona and Atlético Madrid, and the club has already completed his La Liga registration. Only Carlos Espí remains to be registered among Madrid’s summer additions.
One of Silva’s biggest assets is expected to be his versatility. Comfortable as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, or right-sided attacker, the veteran gives Mourinho several tactical options as he builds his preferred starting lineup.
The 31-year-old signed a two-year contract despite Real Madrid’s recent preference for recruiting younger players, reflecting the club’s belief that his experience, technical quality, and composure can immediately strengthen the squad.
His arrival follows a disappointing World Cup with Portugal, where he struggled for playing time after being substituted at halftime in his country’s opening match. He now begins a fresh chapter hoping to rediscover his best form in Madrid.
Brahim eager to earn Mourinho’s trust
Brahim Díaz also reported back for preseason with plenty to prove.
Competition for attacking places has only intensified following Madrid’s busy transfer window, leaving the Morocco international facing another battle for minutes. Nevertheless, Brahim remains determined to convince Mourinho that he deserves a meaningful role throughout the campaign rather than seeking a move elsewhere.
Squad continues to take shape
Real Madrid now has 14 senior players training with the first team.
Several injured players—including Éder Militão, Dean Huijsen, Raúl Asencio, Ferland Mendy, and Rodrygo—continue their recovery programs, while Thibaut Courtois is expected back shortly.
The remaining World Cup semifinalists—Konaté, Marc Cucurella, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Jude Bellingham, and Kylian Mbappé—are still on vacation but are expected to rejoin preseason in the coming days.
As more established players return, Mourinho has gradually reduced the number of academy players involved in first-team sessions, with preparations now entering their fourth week.
While Real Madrid’s preseason continues to build momentum on the pitch, the biggest story over the next several days may unfold away from it, as Vinicius and the club attempt to determine whether one of the team’s biggest stars will remain in Madrid beyond next summer—or whether this could become his final season at the Santiago Bernabéu.
