Jose Mourinho has received a significant boost at Real Madrid with Vinicius, Bernardo Silva and Brahim Diaz all returning to his squad after a prolonged period of limited training options.
The three players were brought back into the group without the club having to pay transfer fees, because they were already part of the squad, according to Spanish newspaper Marca.
Their arrival provides Mourinho with valuable reinforcements after weeks in which Real Madrid have trained with a heavily reduced group. The manager has been forced to rely on academy players and a small number of experienced footballers while he prepares the team for the start of La Liga.
The need for additional options had become increasingly pressing. After more than 20 training sessions at Valdebebas, Mourinho asked for more players to complete a starting XI that showed promising signs against Fiorentina and to strengthen the squad before the league campaign begins.
“I fear that not all the players will be available, and I would like to train with other players for three weeks. But this is not possible,” he said.
Pre-season has again presented the familiar challenge of working with a squad containing a large number of internationals. Mourinho must build a competitive team in a short period, despite not yet being able to train with his full group.
Vinicius remains a major focus
Vinicius is the most prominent of the returning players. The Brazilian led his country at the World Cup, although his efforts were not enough to prevent Brazil from being eliminated by Norway in the last 16. He also remained a regular subject of media attention during his holiday.
His physical transformation has attracted attention, but his long-term future is the issue causing the greatest concern at Real Madrid.
Marca reported earlier this week that Vinicius has been offered a new contract, but the club does not intend to improve its proposal. He must either accept the terms or be sold in August, with his current deal due to expire in 2027.
Real Madrid are certain he will not leave for nothing, and the situation is regarded as unacceptable by all sides. The dispute appears likely to continue until an agreement is reached.
Alongside Vinicius, Bernardo Silva and Brahim Diaz offer Mourinho two further options, although they bring different qualities to the side.
Bernardo Silva, the Portugal midfielder who recently joined Real Madrid on a free transfer from Manchester City at Mourinho’s request, is expected to strengthen a midfield that urgently needed his influence. He was unable to provide that contribution during Portugal’s disappointing World Cup campaign.
His ability to control possession and maintain a high work rate are precisely the qualities Mourinho wants as he looks to make the team more effective.
Brahim Diaz returns in confident mood after helping Morocco reach the quarter-finals. His presence is particularly important on the right wing, where Real Madrid have lacked first-team options.
The shortage in that position was so severe that Mourinho had to use Denzel Dumfries on the right flank during the match against Fiorentina. With Brahim Diaz now available, the manager has gained another natural attacking option at a crucial stage of preparations.
