Surprise! José Mourinho asks for another Real Madrid signing: Mendy leaves with company

José Mourinho is synonymous with character and success. His career on the sidelines is marked by titles and memorable moments, and few forget his time at Real Madrid. At Bernabéu, he faced Guardiola's best Barça, won a record-breaking league, and left an indelible mark with his intensity and his way of understanding soccer.

Although his departure was not without tension, the charismatic coach will always be remembered as one of the most influential managers in the club's recent history. Now, after his dismissal from Fenerbahçe, José Mourinho has returned home. Benfica has decided to bet on him 25 years after his first stint, when he was still a coach in training.

José Mourinho's plan in Lisbon involves Real Madrid

His arrival has caused a real earthquake in Portugal and has brought back hope to a fanbase that dreams of conquering Europe again. José Mourinho hasn't wasted any time. His main goal is to rebuild Benfica as quickly as possible, and he is already working on squad planning for the January transfer window.

In the summer, he had no room to maneuver, but in January, he intends to revolutionize the locker room with several high-level signings. The first on his list is Ferland Mendy. The French full-back is not in Xabi Alonso's plans, who seems to have firmly chosen Álvaro Carreras as a starter and Fran García as an alternative.

Mendy, hampered by injuries, has gradually lost prominence until he has become expendable. José Mourinho wants to rescue him and offer him a leading role in Portugal, convinced that he can still perform at the elite level.

Brahim Díaz, José Mourinho's dream for Benfica

But Mendy is not the only Madridist in José Mourinho's sights. The Portuguese coach has also requested Brahim Díaz, whose situation at Bernabéu remains delicate.

Brahim has played minutes at the start of this season, but his role continues to be that of an impact substitute from the bench. Despite his commitment and quality, he still doesn't convince Xabi Alonso as an undisputed starter. According to the newspaper Sport, Benfica and Real Madrid already negotiated this summer the possible departure of Brahim, although the talks did not progress.

Now, with José Mourinho on the Lisbon bench, the interest has gained strength again. The Portuguese manager believes he can turn the Málaga native into one of the offensive leaders of his project. Brahim Díaz is surely considering it.

Real Madrid and Benfica, crossed paths

The relationship between Real Madrid and Benfica is historic and now may intensify again thanks to José Mourinho. The Portuguese coach is determined to strengthen his squad with players from the white house and both Mendy and Brahim Díaz fit his idea.

Meanwhile, Florentino Pérez would not be opposed to letting go of footballers who do not have a leading role with Xabi Alonso. If negotiations progress, January may bring moves that will shape the second half of the season for both clubs.