Real Madrid star edges closer to exit ahead of Jose Mourinho return

Updated: 9 Jun 2026 12:02 BST | 4 min read

Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid, 2025/26 — © IMAGO

Matthew Judge | Editor

Juventus-linked Brahim Diaz is likely to leave Real Madrid once Jose Mourinho is appointed head coach, according to reports in Italy.

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Portuguese Mourinho is set to replace Alvaro Arbeloa as Los Blancos’ new manager after Florentino Perez was re-elected club president until 2030 following Sunday’s elections.

BBC Sport understands Mourinho signed a three-year deal last month to return to Real - the club whom he managed between 2010 and 2013, winning three honours - provided Perez won the elections.

STATS

Brahim Díaz

F, M (R)

Real Madrid

Brahim Díaz

F, M (R)

Real Madrid

42

Games
2

Goals
7

Assists

Ahead of Mourinho’s arrival, there has been plenty of speculation regarding who the 63-year-old will target in his bid to make Real a force again, with the club having failed to win a trophy for the last two seasons.

Real are set to sign France international Ibrahima Konate on a free transfer and Inter Milan right-back Denzel Dumfries in a €20million (£17.3m) deal after Perez defeated renewable energy entrepreneur Enrique Riquelme in the club’s first presidential election to feature a challenger for 20 years.

The rumour mill continues to grind regarding outgoings as well, with Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport now claiming Morocco international Diaz is expected to leave the club once Mourinho’s appointment is confirmed.

The same outlet understands Diaz wants to stay at Real beyond the summer but is not part of Mourinho and Perez’s long-term plans, with Serie A giants Juventus hoping to take advantage by making a move for the 26-year-old.

Diaz spent three seasons on loan with Juventus' rivals AC Milan

Diaz joined Real from Manchester City in 2019 and has made 163 appearances for Spanish giants, scoring 22 goals and winning six honours including two La Liga titles and the 2024 Champions League.

The Malaga-born winger, who has been included in Morocco’s 26-man squad for the World Cup, spent three seasons on loan with Juventus’ rivals AC Milan between 2020 and 2023, netting 18 times in 124 games.

Meanwhile, Gazzetta dello Sport also understands Juventus are keen to sign Alexander Sorloth from Atletico Madrid, with Luciano Spalletti’s side hoping to agree a price which is lower than €30m (£25.9m).

STATS

Alexander Sørloth

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

Alexander Sørloth

F (C)

Atlético Madrid

54

Games
20

Goals
1

Assists

The Bianconeri are preparing for life in next season’s Europa League after missing out on securing Champions League qualification in 2025-26, finishing two points behind Cesc Fabregas’ Como in sixth place.

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