Real Madrid finished eight points behind Barcelona in LaLiga and endured their second consecutive trophyless season, prompting Xabi Alonso's dismissal in January. President Florentino Pérez secured re-election through 2030 despite a reduced mandate, now facing a critical summer of decisions.

José Mourinho returns to the Bernabéu after thirteen years, bringing discipline to a squad that lacked cohesion last season. The Mbappé-Vinícius Júnior partnership presents tactical challenges, with both players potentially lining up in defensive systems while waiting to create magic. Mourinho's track record with team building offers hope for stability.

Vinícius Júnior's contract expires in June 2027, creating urgency for extension talks before risking a free transfer. Pérez claims reports of excessive wage demands are false, but Madrid cannot afford to lose him for nothing. Meanwhile, Thibaut Courtois faces his own contract decision at age 34.

Trent Alexander-Arnold struggled in his debut season, making Denzel Dumfries's arrival logical for right-back competition. Dani Ceballos's injury history makes him expendable, while young midfielder Thiago Pitarch will stay. With Antonio Rüdiger extended, Mourinho inherits a squad needing immediate fixes to avoid a third straight empty-handed campaign.