José Mourinho begs Florentino Perez: “I hope this player ends up in white”

Former Real Madrid coach José Mourinho spoke to Cadena SER. He spoke of his admiration for the Madrid club and took the opportunity to send a clear message to Florentino Pérez regarding the mercato.

José Mourinho’s heart has always been white at Real Madrid. The Portuguese coach, now at the helm of Fenerbahçe, is keeping a close eye on the Casa Blanca. Ahead of the Europa League clash with Athletic Bilbao, Mourinho gave an interview to Cadena Ser. Asked about his future and his link with Real Madrid, José Mourinho made no secret of his attachment to the club he managed between 2010 and 2013.

‘I’m a Real Madrid man,’ he said. While he praises the work of Carlo Ancelotti, whom he considers ‘the best coach in the world’, the Portuguese coach has not ruled out a possible return to the Bernabeu in the future. According to Mourinho, Ancelotti could be succeeded in a number of different ways. ‘Perhaps a promising young coach like Xabi Alonso, or someone with more experience. But Real Madrid could also look to their youth system, with options like Arbeloa or Raúl. Florentino Pérez has always made the right decisions,’ he said.

José Mourinho wants Nico Williams at Real Madrid

As part of his preparations with Fenerbahçe to face Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League on Wednesday, José Mourinho surprised everyone by putting Nico Williams at the centre of his statements. The Portuguese coach considers the Basque winger to be a uniquely talented player, who he even rates above Barcelona prodigy Lamine Yamal.

‘Nico is a fantastic player. People talk a lot about Lamine Yamal, who is obviously talented, but I personally prefer Nico. He’s a wonderful boy, and I hope he ends up in white,’ he recommended to Real Madrid president Florentino Perez.

🎙️🗨️ José Mourinho ¿abre la puerta? al Real Madrid en el micrófono de @La_SER de @ivanmartinc

🔜 "Está el mejor entrenador del mundo que es mi amigo Ancelotti (…) en el futuro depende de Florentino"

🇹🇷🗯️ "Si es mejor alguien con proyección como Xabi o alguien de la cantera" pic.twitter.com/AB0QbnFRXU

— El Larguero (@ellarguero) December 10, 2024

José Mourinho’s interest in Nico Williams is no coincidence. With his explosiveness, versatility and ability to unhinge defences, the 22-year-old Spaniard ticks all the boxes to bolster a Madrid forward line already well-stocked with Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappé, Rodrygo Goes, Brahim Diaz and Endrick. But the winger is currently a mainstay at Athletic Bilbao, and his price tag could prove an obstacle. Nico Williams is already attracting interest from several top European clubs, including Real Madrid’s rivals Barcelona, who even tried to lure him this summer.