Real Madrid are preparing for a significant new chapter both on and off the pitch, with club president Florentino Perez reportedly moving forward with key transfer plans and the expected return of Jose Mourinho as head coach ahead of the new season.
Despite the club holding its first presidential election in two decades this weekend, preparations behind the scenes have continued at full speed. Perez, who has served as Real Madrid president since 2009, has overseen several important developments in recent weeks as the Spanish giants look to strengthen their squad and finalize their leadership structure.
The club had already secured an agreement to bring midfielder Nico Paz back from Como, but attention has recently shifted to further reinforcements. Real Madrid are understood to have completed arrangements for the arrival of defender Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer following the departure of David Alaba. The club is also expected to add Denzel Dumfries to its ranks as a replacement for outgoing captain Dani Carvajal.
While transfer activity has progressed smoothly, uncertainty has surrounded the managerial position. Mourinho reportedly reached an agreement to return to the Santiago Bernabeu last month, although the ongoing presidential election delayed any official announcement regarding the appointment.
That situation appears to have changed after Perez shared a post on social media featuring Mourinho wearing Real Madrid’s 2025-26 shirt. The image is widely viewed as the strongest indication yet that the Portuguese coach is set for a second spell in charge of the club. Until now, both Mourinho and Perez had largely avoided discussing the matter publicly despite growing speculation.
Questions remain over whether rival presidential candidate Enrique Riquelme would support Mourinho’s appointment if he were to cause an upset in the election. However, Perez remains the overwhelming favorite to retain the presidency, which would likely accelerate the formal confirmation of Mourinho’s return.
Should Perez secure another term, Real Madrid are expected to move quickly to finalize both the managerial appointment and the arrivals of Konate and Dumfries as part of a broader squad restructuring ahead of the upcoming campaign.
