According to a report from AS, Real Madrid’s leadership arrived in Budapest this week with far more on the agenda than simply attending the Champions League final.
The report paints a picture of a club simultaneously working on three major fronts: strengthening its relationship with UEFA, preparing for a potentially transformative summer transfer window, and finalizing plans for José Mourinho’s expected return to the Santiago Bernabéu.
Real Madrid and UEFA rebuilding ties
There is clear improvement in relations between Real Madrid and
UEFA. After years of tensions stemming largely from the European Super League conflict, the two sides are working together once again on matters concerning the future of European football.
The report states that Real Madrid have regained influence within UEFA’s decision-making processes, with ongoing discussions taking place regarding the next evolution of the Champions League beginning in 2027. While the competition’s identity is expected to remain largely unchanged, further modifications are reportedly under consideration following agreements reached earlier this year.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin’s attendance at Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich was viewed as a symbolic gesture, while club CEO José Ángel Sánchez has traveled to Budapest for additional meetings. Florentino Pérez is also expected to be present for the final.
Transfer planning underway
Transfer planning remains a major focus of this weekend.
According to AS, Real Madrid are already advancing discussions regarding potential reinforcements despite not wanting to finalize major decisions before the upcoming presidential election. The positions currently receiving the most attention are center-back, right-back, and central midfield.
While numerous names have been linked to the club throughout the year, the report suggests that definitive targets have not yet been fully established.
However, AS also reports that Mourinho has already submitted an extensive assessment of the squad and outlined the areas he believes require strengthening:
Mourinho agreement reportedly in place
AS states that Real Madrid have finally resolved outstanding issues with Benfica regarding the Portuguese coach’s departure. The main obstacle reportedly centered around a release clause that would have expired during the election period, potentially complicating negotiations.
The report claims that super-agent Jorge Mendes played a crucial role in facilitating an agreement between all parties. As a result, the framework for Mourinho’s arrival is allegedly already in place, contingent upon Florentino Pérez being re-elected on June 7th.
The plan would be to announce Mourinho’s appointment within days of the election rather than spending additional time negotiating compensation with Benfica.
The report further claims that Benfica softened its financial demands after discussions involving Marco Silva, who has emerged as the Portuguese club’s preferred replacement. Silva’s representation by Mendes reportedly helped facilitate a broader agreement that satisfied all parties involved.
Mourinho’s transfer priorities
While currently on vacation in Portugal, Mourinho is reportedly already heavily involved in planning for next season.
AS reports that the Portuguese coach has identified several positions he believes require reinforcement. Beyond the previously discussed needs at center-back, right-back, and central midfield, Mourinho is also said to want a new left-back.
In total, the report claims he would like the club to sign one or two central defenders, a right-back, a left-back, and two midfielders.
One of those midfielders would ideally be a creative orchestrator capable of dictating the team’s rhythm and connecting phases of play. The other would be a more defensive-minded presence capable of protecting the back line and bringing balance to midfield.
