By Daily Review Online
José Mourinho is reportedly set for a dramatic return to Real Madrid, with the Portuguese manager tipped to replace Alvaro Arbeloa following a disappointing campaign marked by poor results and dressing-room unrest.
Spanish giants Madrid are said to be preparing for a major rebuild ahead of next season, with several senior players expected to depart the club. Among those reportedly on the exit list are David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Dani Ceballos.
Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid between 2010 and 2013, is already being linked with Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen as part of the club’s expected summer recruitment drive.
Osimhen recently completed a blockbuster permanent move from Napoli to Galatasaray in a deal worth €75 million, making it the biggest transfer in Turkish football history. The Super Eagles star signed a four-year contract running until 2029 and is reportedly earning about €21 million annually, including bonuses and image-rights payments.
The agreement also contains a clause preventing Osimhen from joining another Italian club before 2027, while Napoli retain a 10 per cent sell-on fee from any future transfer.
Osimhen remains one of Africa’s most sought-after forwards after an impressive international career with Nigeria national football team. The 27-year-old announced himself on the global stage during the 2015 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where he scored 10 goals to win the Golden Boot award.
He later became a central figure for the Super Eagles, finishing as top scorer in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers with 10 goals and helping Nigeria reach the FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs in 2025. Osimhen also won the 2023 CAF African Footballer of the Year award.
Mourinho had earlier indicated interest in signing Croatian, Man City defender Josko Gardiola as he has been offered to Real Madrid as part of the Spanish club’s defensive rebuilding plans.
Gardiola, once regarded as one of Europe’s finest young defenders, has endured an injury-hit campaign after previously thriving under Pep Guardiola and helping City secure major domestic and European honours.