Jose Mourinho has ruled out signing Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal, while insisting Real Madrid’s current squad is already strong enough to compete for major honours.
The Portuguese manager, who has returned to the Real Madrid dugout with the task of restoring the club’s success, also praised the work being done by Barcelona under Hansi Flick and sporting director Deco.
Mourinho made the comments in an exclusive interview with Spanish television programme El Chiringuito, as the new Spanish football season officially got under way. Barcelona, the reigning champions, begin the campaign with considerable confidence, while Real Madrid enter a new era marked by significant changes and Mourinho’s return to the bench.
The former Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Manchester United and Tottenham manager was asked whether he would consider bringing Yamal, Barcelona’s teenage star, to Real Madrid. His answer was firm: he would not make the move.
“I don’t want him. He is undoubtedly a young player with huge potential. It is not usual to be a European and world champion at the age of 19, but we have a top-class squad. I will not make room for any other player at the moment… now they are my players, and they are the best,” Mourinho said.
Yamal was described in the interview as Barcelona’s young star and a European and world champion. Mourinho’s response was presented as a clear declaration of loyalty to the group currently at his disposal, rather than an indication that Real Madrid would pursue one of the most highly regarded players in world football.
Before addressing Yamal’s future, Mourinho spoke positively about Barcelona’s sporting project, which is being led by Flick and Deco. The Portuguese coach has a previous connection with Deco, having managed the former midfielder during his time at Porto.
“I liked it. It was excellent work between Hansi Flick and Deco, and of course the players. I liked it a lot,” Mourinho said.
His comments have been viewed as carrying two messages at the start of what is expected to be an intense season in Spain. They offered reassurance to the Real Madrid dressing room by emphasising his faith in the existing squad, while also acknowledging the progress made by the club’s traditional rivals.
Mourinho initially adopted a calm tone during the interview, but his direct and outspoken style soon became evident when discussing both Barcelona’s project and the possibility of signing Yamal. The exchange quickly attracted attention in Spain, particularly because of the rivalry between the two clubs and Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
A clip from the interview was circulated with the caption: “MOURINHO WOULD NOT SIGN LAMINE YAMAL: ‘He is a great player, but we have a top squad.’” The interview was described as a world exclusive with journalist Josep Pedrerol.
The new campaign therefore begins with Real Madrid facing major changes under Mourinho and Barcelona defending their title under Flick. The Portuguese manager’s firm backing of his players, together with his praise for Barcelona’s work, has added to the expectation that the season could become heated from its opening rounds.
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