Mourinho Back in the Lion’s Den: Real Madrid Turn to the Special One to Heal a Broken Locker Room.

José Mourinho is heading back to Real Madrid. Thirteen years after storming out under a cloud of clashes with star players, the 63-year-old is set to take over as manager once again. The announcement is expected after Benfica’s final Liga Portugal match this weekend, where Mourinho is wrapping up an unbeaten season. His mission? Walk into a Madrid dressing room that’s been tearing itself apart, with Barcelona running away with La Liga.

The atmosphere is toxic. Vinicius Jr. has fallen out with Xabi Alonso, Kylian Mbappé is reportedly unpopular with his own teammates, and caretaker boss Álvaro Arbeloa couldn’t stop the infighting. Things hit a low when Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni were fined after a heated argument. Placing the famously combative Mourinho into this powder keg has raised eyebrows, but club president Florentino Pérez has wanted him all along — even citing Transfermarkt’s market values in a bizarre press conference this week.

Mourinho’s in-tray is overflowing. Revamping a lopsided squad is priority one, and five big names face uncertain futures:

· Vinicius Jr. – He’s been electric in 2026, second only to Harry Kane for goals across all competitions among top-five league players. But he’s entering the final year of his contract and wants to match Mbappé’s wages. Madrid’s stance is simple: sign or be sold.

· Federico Valverde – One of Madrid’s best and a regular captain, but his bust-up with Tchouaméni has angered Pérez privately. English rumors link him to Manchester United, but Mourinho would likely love his fighting spirit.

· Eduardo Camavinga – Contracted until 2029, but only 15 league starts this season. Madrid’s finances are tight due to Bernabéu renovations, and selling him for around his €50m market value makes sense.

· Dani Ceballos – A solid squad player on a big wage, but not delivering enough return. Ajax, Fenerbahce, Betis, and Juventus are interested. He won’t fetch a huge fee but would free up payroll.

· Brahim Díaz – Zero league goals in 27 appearances this season. With Nicolas Paz returning and better attackers ahead of him, Madrid could cash in at his €35m valuation. PSG, Benfica, Fenerbahce, and Dortmund have been linked.