Real Madrid prepare firesale ahead of Jose Mourinho arrival with nine players out in brutal cull

As many as nine Real Madrid players are reportedly set to leave the club this summer, as potential soon-to-be manager José Mourinho looks to rebuild the side after a torrid 2025/26 campaign.

Despite head coach Álvaro Arbeloa still being in position, the writing appears to be on the wall for the former Real Madrid right-back, with Los Blancos failing to win a major trophy for a second season in a row this term.

Last week was certainly one to forget for Florentino Pérez and co., with Fede Valverde taken to hospital for treatment for a cut to his head after an altercation with team-mate Aurélien Tchouaméni. The Uruguayan’s injury meant he missed the 2-0 El Clásico defeat to Barcelona at Camp Nou, which saw the Catalans crowned champions with three La Liga matches to play.

On Tuesday (May 12), it was widely reported that Mourinho was in ‘final negotiations’ to become Real boss for the second time – having previously coached the side between 2010 and 2013 – despite being under contract at his current club, Benfica, until June 2027, although it is thought that a £2.6 million break clause is included, which can be activated within 10 days of the final game of the season.

Mourinho prepares mass cull at Real Madrid

According to reports from Spanish outlet ABC, it appears that Real’s squad may look very different by the time Mourinho is settled at the club.

The outlet claims that up to nine players will either be sold, loaned or leave on free transfers following the conclusion of the current campaign.

Veteran defenders David Alaba and Dani Carvajal are expected to leave upon the expiration of their contracts this summer, while midfielder Dani Ceballos is seen as surplus to requirements and will likely move on.

Argentine starlet Franco Mastantuono, who arrived from River Plate in 2025, will likely go out on loan, while Los Blancos are also keen to cash in on Eduardo Camavinga, Raúl Asencio, Gonzalo García and Fran García.

Back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin could also leave should the right offer be tabled for the Ukrainian international.

Mourinho also wants to bring in his own staff, although Real will likely provide him with an assistant coach within the club.

Goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis, medical director Niko Mihic and fitness coach Antonio Pintus are all trusted by Pérez and will likely form part of Mourinho’s staff.