Jose Mourinho sets 'key' conditions for Real Madrid return, Liverpool ask about Xabi Alonso with Arne Slot under pressure - Euro Transfer News
Updated 12/05/2026 at 08:19 GMT+1
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Spanish outlet AS is reporting that Jose Mourinho has given La Liga giants Real Madrid two "key" conditions that they must meet in order to tempt him back to the Santiago Bernabeu.
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Mourinho has been linked with a return to the Spanish capital after a trophyless campaign that saw Madrid replace Xabi Alonso with Alvaro Arbeloa.
AS believes that 63-year-old Mourinho, who is currently manager of Benfica, wants certain assurances before returning to Madrid.
The report says that the former Chelsea boss is demanding a say on transfer targets and assurances about his control over the first team.
”The first relates to his influence in the transfer market. Mourinho would not be seeking control over individual signings, but he does want a voice in identifying which positions the squad needs to strengthen,” read the article.
”His early assessment is that the squad is unbalanced in several areas. During his first spell at the club, he played a role in bringing in key players such as Luka Modric, Sami Khedira and Mesut Ozil, who became central figures in his project.
”The second condition concerns the internal structure of the club and the hierarchy around the first team.
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”Mourinho is not looking to change the overall organisational chart or dismantle the sporting structure. Instead, he wants clarity and respect for roles, particularly ensuring that the first-team operation is clearly defined and protected.”
Madrid were beaten 2-0 in El Clasico on Sunday to hand Barcelona the title.
Liverpool ask Real about Alonso departure
AS has also revealed that Liverpool have contacted Real Madrid in the hope of finding out why Alonso’s stint as manager ended prematurely.
The former Reds midfielder has been linked with a return to Anfield since he left his role as head coach of Los Blancos by "mutual agreement" in January, with current Liverpool boss Arne Slot under increasing pressure after a disappointing 2025/26 campaign.
Slot oversaw a busy summer in the transfer window, signing the likes of Alexander Isak, Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz, but his revamped squad have struggled all season and currently sit fourth in the Premier League table.
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Alonso also endured a difficult few months, as he struggled in the Spanish capital despite a phenomenal few years with German side Bayer Leverkusen.
AS says Liverpool have looked into what went wrong for their former star in Madrid, despite Slot still being at the helm.
”Liverpool have doubts over who should be trusted with a multimillion-dollar project that has failed to work,” read the article.
”For many weeks, Xabi Alonso has been mentioned – Chelsea have also entered the picture – but the club is not convinced, which is why they have been asking questions and showing interest in what happened at Real Madrid with the coach.
”A call to Valdebebas was made to clear up the unknowns.”
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Bayern rule out move for Vlahovic
BILD's Christian Falk believes German giants Bayern Munich will not try to sign Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic this summer.
The 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Bayern or Barcelona when his current deal at Juve expires at the end of the 2025/26 campaign.
Vlahovic has produced eight goals and two assists across all competitions this term, helping Juventus into third place in the Serie A table.
Bayern are keen to add to their attacking options, but Falk says the forward is not one of their targets.
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”Bayern Munich are not interested in signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic in the summer transfer window,”read the article.
”The Bavarian giants have made the decision to not sign Nicolas Jackson on a permanent deal, which means the Senegal attacker will return to Chelsea after the end of the season.
”Harry Kane remains the only recognised striker at the club, and the Bavarian giants may look to add another striker ahead of next season.”
Atletico set price cap on Gomes
Atletico Madrid will reportedly refuse to spend more than €40 million (£34.5m) on a new midfielder this summer, having been linked with Wolverhampton Wanderers star Joao Gomes and Atalanta’s Ederson.
Gomes has been linked with a move to the Spanish capital for several months, while Ederson has enjoyed an outstanding season for the Italian outfit, producing three goals and two assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.
Wolves will be under pressure to sell many of their stars this summer following their relegation from the Premier League.
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Spanish outlet Marca believes that Atletico will look to capitalise by refusing to pay more than €40m.
”Although it's been an open secret since January that Atletico Madrid are looking for an established midfielder, Mateu Alemany [Atletico director] is moving with determination, a clear vision, and the conviction that he won't pay exorbitant fees precisely because of the market's awareness of his intentions,” read the article.
”So much so that the Atletico director of football will not spend more than €40 million on the signing, whether it's Joao Gomes, or Ederson, who seemed within reach just over six months ago.”
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