Real Madrid are bracing for one of their most transformative summers in recent history after a disastrous La Liga campaign came to a bitter end with a painful defeat to Barcelona at Spotify Camp Nou.
The 2-0 loss in El Clasico not only handed Barcelona the league title but also laid bare the growing problems within the Real Madrid squad—from defensive frailties to dressing room tensions and doubts about several key players. The defeat has accelerated plans for sweeping changes at the Santiago Bernabéu.
According to a report by Jose Felix Diaz in AS, urgent decisions are already being prepared, starting with the managerial position.
**Mourinho Emerges as Leading Candidate**
As previously reported, Jose Mourinho is in contention to return to Real Madrid, potentially for what could be one of the final major challenges of his career. Club president Florentino Perez is keen to bring the Portuguese coach back, and Mourinho is said to already possess detailed reports on every member of the current squad.
The final decision now rests with Mourinho himself. After years away from Madrid, he is weighing whether this is the right moment for a dramatic return, especially with the club entering a period of significant transition.
**Real Madrid Planning Major Defensive Rebuild**
One of the clearest takeaways from this season is that Real Madrid urgently need to strengthen their defense. The report states the club is considering at least three or four important defensive signings this summer, following persistent problems at the back throughout the campaign.
Several players now face uncertain futures, including David Alaba and Dani Carvajal, both approaching the final stages of their contracts. Doubts also reportedly remain over Raul Asencio. Fitness concerns regarding Eder Militao and Ferland Mendy are further supporting the case for a defensive overhaul.
As a result, the club is expected to move away from long-term experiments with young talents and instead focus on experienced players capable of making an immediate impact. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
**Backing Mbappe, Vinicius, and Bellingham**
One key point from the report is that Real Madrid still believe their attacking core is among the strongest in Europe. The club hierarchy continues to view Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and Kylian Mbappe as the foundation of the project moving forward. There is also growing expectation that Nico Paz and Endrick will have larger roles next season as part of the long-term attacking plans.
**Dressing Room Tensions Could Force More Changes**
The midfield situation may become a bigger concern. Recent incidents involving Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni have created fresh uncertainty inside the dressing room. While full details have not emerged publicly, the situation has opened the door to possible midfield changes during the summer window, as Real Madrid attempt to rebuild team chemistry after a frustrating season.
The feeling inside the club is that the current squad has lost both balance and intensity—two qualities that Barcelona consistently demonstrated throughout their title-winning campaign. Now, with Barcelona celebrating at Camp Nou and Real Madrid left without major silverware, the pressure for drastic change at the Bernabéu has never been greater.