In a curious twist to the saga, Real Madrid have been quick to distance themselves from the reports linking them so heavily to the World Cup 2022 winner. The hierarchy at the Bernabeu went as far as issuing a public press release stating they had no interest in the player, a move likely designed to protect the morale of the current squad and downplay the frustration of the coaching staff.
The frustration for Mourinho was compounded by the club’s inability to secure other high-profile Spanish targets. Real Madrid were also heavily linked with a move for Rodri, another midfield general who fits the profile of a Mourinho player. However, the Spanish international ultimately chose to return to his homeland with Barcelona, further limiting the options available to the Madrid coaching staff.