Tuesday, July 21, 2026

Mourinho Demands Valverde Exit as Real Madrid Revamp Squad in Summer Window

June 16, 2026
Mourinho Demands Valverde Exit as Real Madrid Revamp Squad in Summer Window
Mourinho Demands Valverde Exit as Real Madrid Revamp Squad in Summer Window

Jose Mourinho has wasted little time making his mark at Real Madrid, reportedly ordering the club to move on from midfielder Federico Valverde as he plots his summer overhaul at the Bernabeu.

The Portuguese tactician, back for a second spell in charge, has already overseen four major arrivals at the Spanish giants. Marc Cucurella has switched from Chelsea, while Bernardo Silva joined on a free transfer from Manchester City. Liverpool's Ibrahima Konate will also arrive as a free agent, and Inter Milan's Denzel Dumfries is set to complete a deal.

Yet Mourinho's eye has turned to departures, with Valverde now firmly in the firing line. According to reports, the Madrid boss has received damaging assessments of the Uruguay international's character and professionalism.

The midfielder was involved in a heated training ground clash with teammate Aurelien Tchouameni during the season, an incident that sources claim was entirely Valverde's fault. Beyond that specific flashpoint, reports suggest the 26-year-old displayed an insolent attitude toward former coach Xabi Alonso and proved a poor teammate, to the extent that a significant portion of the squad would prefer his absence when training resumes.

Mourinho has subsequently made clear to the board that selling Valverde should be a priority ahead of the new campaign. The midfielder remains contracted until summer 2029, though his stock at the club has plainly taken a hit.

Over his Madrid career, Valverde has accumulated 41 goals and 44 assists across 372 appearances. He has claimed three LaLiga titles and two Champions League crowns with Los Blancos, yet those credentials appear insufficient to convince Mourinho of his future place in the project.

Elsewhere at Madrid, Dani Ceballos looks unlikely to remain, while David Alaba and Dani Carvajal have already departed following the expiry of their respective contracts.

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