Jose Mourinho's Return to Real Madrid Impacts Liverpool's Midfield Plans

Jose Mourinho is on the brink of a blockbuster return to Real Madrid, and the ripple effects could be felt all the way to Anfield.

The Portuguese coach is expected to be confirmed as Madrid’s new head coach, with multiple leading outlets aligning on the same story: the Bernabéu is bracing itself for Mourinho, again. That doesn’t just mean a change of face on the touchline. It means a change of profile in the middle of the pitch.

Mourinho’s First Demand: A New Anchor

Spanish outlet Cope reports that Mourinho has already identified a priority: a new defensive midfielder. At the top of his list sits Morten Hjulmand of Sporting CP, a player who has drawn admiring glances from across Europe and built a reputation as a rugged, disciplined shield in front of the back four.

If Madrid push ahead for Hjulmand this summer, the move will do more than simply add another body to their midfield rotation. It will squeeze the space around an already crowded department and could open the door for one of Europe’s most coveted holding midfielders to move on.

That’s where Liverpool enter the frame.

Liverpool’s Long Look at Madrid’s Engine Room

Liverpool’s admiration for Real Madrid’s young midfield core is no secret. Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga have both been closely watched and frequently linked, their blend of athleticism and composure fitting neatly into the profile Liverpool have sought as they reshape their own engine room.

Tchouameni has already admitted how close he came to Anfield once before. In an interview with Le Parisien, he spoke openly about nearly joining Liverpool back in 2022, only for Madrid’s pull to prove decisive. Since then, he has grown into a central figure in Spain, but his status may no longer be untouchable.

Reports in England, including from the Telegraph, claim Manchester United are monitoring Tchouameni’s situation and could move if Madrid show any willingness to negotiate. Mourinho’s push for Hjulmand could be the trigger.

If the new coach secures his preferred defensive midfielder, Tchouameni suddenly becomes a high-value asset in a congested area. For a club that rarely stands still in the market, that kind of opportunity is rarely ignored.

Tchouameni’s Madrid Turbulence

As of 20 May 2026, Tchouameni’s season at Real Madrid tells a complicated story. On paper, 49 appearances underline his importance and durability. On the pitch, though, the mood around the club has darkened.

Barcelona’s back-to-back La Liga titles have cranked up the pressure at the Bernabéu. Frustration spilled into the open in early May when Tchouameni became involved in a physical training-ground altercation with teammate Federico Valverde. President Florentino Pérez moved quickly to play the incident down, but the story leaked heavily and fed into a wider narrative of tension and restlessness inside the squad.

Those are the kind of cracks a new manager often exploits. Mourinho is renowned for reshaping dressing rooms in his own image, clearing space for his trusted profiles and challenging established hierarchies. A high-value midfielder with suitors in the Premier League and a recent bust-up on his record is exactly the sort of situation that can evolve quickly once a new regime walks through the door.

Anfield on Alert

Liverpool’s need for a specialist defensive midfielder has lingered. The club have patched and retooled their midfield with energy and versatility, but the search for a long-term anchor remains a live issue. If Mourinho lands Hjulmand, Tchouameni’s name will move from the realm of fantasy to something closer to a genuine market opening.

Manchester United are already circling. Liverpool have the chance to step into the same race, armed with a longstanding interest and the memory of how close they came four years ago.

For now, nothing is signed, and no bids are lodged. But as Mourinho prepares to redraw Real Madrid’s midfield, one question will echo from Madrid to Merseyside: if Tchouameni really does become available this time, can Liverpool afford to watch from the sidelines again?