Jose Mourinho has returned to Real Madrid as manager 13 years after his initial departure, tasked with ending a two-season trophy drought at the Bernabeu.

The 63-year-old Portuguese tactician arrives back in the Spanish capital with a mandate from club president Florentino Perez to restore former glories.

His surprise appointment raises questions over whether the self-proclaimed ‘Special One’ can still recapture the elite success of his earlier career.

Since leaving Los Blancos in 2013, the two-time Champions League winner has claimed just one league title, coming during his second stint at Chelsea in 2015.

Subsequent spells at Manchester United, Tottenham, Roma, Fenerbahce and Benfica have yielded mixed results in cup competitions alongside considerable turbulence.

Replicating the Ancelotti blueprint

Spanish football expert Eduardo Alvarez believes Perez has taken inspiration from Carlo Ancelotti’s phenomenally successful second spell in charge.

“I think he’s betting on a second stint with Mourinho because Ancelotti was successful during his and it’s a very similar case,” Alvarez told BBC Sport.

Alvarez noted that Ancelotti was coaching Everton and largely considered past his peak before returning to Madrid to win the Champions League.

The pundit explained that the Spanish giants currently operate more as a player’s club than a manager’s club.

He added that the returning boss is highly player-intense rather than strictly tactically intense, which perfectly suits the immediate needs of the boardroom.

A necessary shift in attitude

Not everyone expects a seamless transition for the veteran coach without a fundamental shift in his famously combative approach.

Former Real president Ramon Calderon, who led the institution from 2006 to 2009, warned that the new manager cannot simply recreate the fiery playbook of his first spell.

“He’s going to need to change the behaviour and the attitude of the players,” Calderon told BBC Sport.

“He showed, when he was at Real 13 years ago, a lot of protagonism.”

Calderon highlighted previous problems with rival clubs and referees, urging the former Inter Milan boss to take responsibility rather than blaming others for defeats.

“I think he has to gain the respect and trust of the players by persuasion, not by imposition,” he concluded.

During his first tenure, which followed a historic Treble with Inter in 2009, the manager successfully dethroned a dominant Barcelona side to win La Liga alongside the Copa del Rey.

Fans will now wait eagerly to see if his second act can deliver similar silverware to the Bernabeu trophy cabinet.

Arsenal are evaluating an opening £38.4m offer from Turkish side Galatasaray for Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli.

According to reports in Germany, the Istanbul club have tabled a formal bid that is now under serious consideration by the Premier League side.

A successful deal at this valuation would represent a new club-record sale for the North London outfit.

Rebuilding the left flank

Mikel Arteta has already overseen significant changes to his attacking options during this transfer window.

The recent departure of Leandro Trossard to Besiktas prompted the arrival of Christos Tzolis to provide immediate wide reinforcement.

Sanctioning a move for the South American forward would further accelerate a complete tactical overhaul of the manager’s left-sided options.

The Gunners boss continues to track several high-profile targets, with Bradley Barcola and Vinicius Junior reportedly featuring on an ambitious shortlist.

Surpassing historical departure fees

Arsenal have historically struggled to command massive transfer fees for departing first-team talent when compared to their domestic rivals.

The proposed package from the Super Lig giants would comfortably eclipse the £35m received from Liverpool for Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Securing the dynamic attacker remains the ultimate priority for Galatasaray ahead of the new European campaign.

The Turkish heavyweights had previously explored a lucrative move for AC Milan star Rafael Leao before focusing entirely on finalising an agreement with Arsenal.

Aston Villa have emerged as the frontrunners to sign right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka from relegated West Ham United as Unai Emery looks to bolster his squad for the Champions League.

The 28-year-old is eager to leave the East London club this summer to maintain his Premier League status.

Arsenal and Everton had previously shown interest in the experienced full-back, but both clubs have since cooled their pursuits.

Rebuild underway at Villa Park

Manager Unai Emery is currently overhauling his defensive options ahead of a demanding European campaign.

The West Midlands outfit are reportedly close to signing Matteo Ruggeri from Atletico Madrid to replace Paris St-Germain-bound Lucas Digne.

Securing a deal for the DR Congo international would provide crucial competition for established first-choice right-back Matty Cash.

While the Polish defender remains highly rated, the congested fixture schedule will require reliable cover beyond 20-year-old deputy Kosta Nedeljkovic.

West Ham exodus continues

Following their unexpected drop into the Championship, the Hammers have found themselves vulnerable to offers for their prized assets.

Mateus Fernandes has already departed for Tottenham, while Crysencio Summerville recently completed a lucrative move to the Saudi Pro League.

The club were, however, handed a significant boost when Jarrod Bowen signed a new long-term contract to stay at the London Stadium.

With West Ham possessing little leverage in negotiations due to the player’s desire to leave, the former Manchester United man could be available for a cut-price fee.

Elite defensive cover

The Congolese full-back is highly regarded for his ability to isolate and shut down opposing wingers.

He is solid and one of the best one-against-one defensive full-backs in the world.

His defensive solidity would offer Villa a distinct tactical alternative to the forward-thinking Cash in tight matches.

Former Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has joined Chelsea on a two-year deal following a free transfer from Brentford to provide midfield experience at Stamford Bridge.

The 36-year-old arrives in west London as manager Xabi Alonso looks to inject seasoned leadership into the youngest squad in the Premier League.

He will earn a reported £75,000 per week during his stay at the club, tying him to the Blues beyond his 38th birthday.

This represents a significant financial shift from his peak at Anfield, where the England international concluded his 12-year spell on a £200,000-a-week contract before departing for the Saudi Pro League in 2023.

Financial hierarchy at Stamford Bridge

Despite bringing hundreds of top-flight appearances, the veteran midfielder will not be among the top earners under Alonso.

His new salary places him above recent arrivals like Estevao and Robert Sanchez, but leaves him trailing far behind the core midfield options.

Chelsea’s current highest earners command significant weekly wages:

If Fernandez completes a rumoured transfer to Manchester City, the resulting wage shift could open up more regular playing time for the new arrival.

A familiar leadership role

The former Sunderland academy graduate is expected to provide valuable cover rather than consistently displacing the likes of Caicedo and Romeo Lavia.

He joins former international team-mate Danny Welbeck in offering vital guidance to a developing dressing room.

Having lifted both the Champions League in 2019 and the domestic title a year later, the experienced playmaker brings a proven winning mentality to the capital.

His steadying influence was recently relied upon by the national team during their 2026 World Cup campaign, underscoring his enduring value at the highest level.

South American football leaders have expressed deep frustration after Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay were allocated just one match each for the 2030 centenary World Cup.

The historic tournament will predominantly be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco across Europe and North Africa.

However, the decision to award the continent a mere trio of opening fixtures has been received with widespread disappointment.

Organisers have been accused of offering a token gesture to acknowledge the region’s immense contribution to the global game.

Centenary celebrations overshadowed

Uruguay’s iconic Centenario Stadium in Montevideo will host the opening fixture of the 2030 competition.

The historic venue was originally built to stage the inaugural edition of the global showpiece a century earlier.

Argentina will also welcome international football’s premier event for the first time since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1978.

Meanwhile, Paraguay is preparing to host a World Cup fixture for the very first time in the nation’s history.

Financial and political concerns

Upgrading vital stadium infrastructure for a single 90-minute fixture presents a significant financial hurdle for the South American confederation, CONMEBOL.

Regional officials reportedly discussed proposing an expanded 64-team tournament to secure a larger share of the hosting rights.

The current 48-team format allows six of the 10 continental sides to qualify automatically, preserving a highly lucrative marathon qualification process.

Furthermore, this unusual intercontinental arrangement conveniently paves the way for Saudi Arabia to launch a bid for the 2034 edition.

By incorporating South America, Africa and Europe in 2030, global governing body FIFA has effectively cleared the path for an Asian host four years later.

Cadillac have sacked team principal Graeme Lowdon and replaced him with Marcin Budkowski following a point-less start to their debut Formula 1 season.

The American outfit, who joined the grid at the start of 2026, are the only constructor yet to score in the opening 11 rounds.

Budkowski returns to the paddock for the first time since departing his role as Alpine executive director in 2022.

The 49-year-old Polish engineer will take charge of the rookie team at the Dutch Grand Prix, as the sport returns from its four-week summer break in late August.

A planned leadership transition

Despite the sudden nature of the dismissal, Cadillac chief executive Dan Towris described the managerial change as an important step in their continued evolution.

“From the beginning, our goal has not been simply to participate in Formula 1, but to build a next-generation team capable of competing at the very front.”

Dan Towris, Cadillac F1 chief executive

Towris stated that their new appointment brings exceptional technical expertise and strategic leadership to the struggling organisation.

He believes this vast experience will help develop the winning mindset and processes required for long-term success.

End of the road for Lowdon

Lowdon was originally appointed to lead the ambitious motorsport project in December 2024.

He successfully oversaw the team’s lengthy preparations and secured the experienced driver pairing of Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas for their inaugural campaign.

Towris expressed gratitude to the departing boss for his leadership in building the squad from the ground up.

He credited Lowdon with establishing a strong foundation during the crucial build-up phase before wishing him well for the future.

Chelsea have placed a £50m valuation on striker Liam Delap as they look to trim their squad following a difficult debut season at Stamford Bridge.

The Blues are prepared to offload the 23-year-old just a year after activating his £30m release clause to bring him from Ipswich Town.

Nottingham Forest and Everton are among the Premier League clubs closely monitoring the availability of the English forward.

Delap endured a highly frustrating campaign in west London, registering a mere two goals across all competitions as his side missed out on European qualification and lost the FA Cup final to Manchester City.

Alonso plans Stamford Bridge overhaul

The former Ipswich prospect has subsequently failed to impress manager Xabi Alonso during recent pre-season fixtures.

Consequently, the attacker joins a growing list of senior players deemed surplus to requirements ahead of the September 1 transfer deadline.

The Stamford Bridge hierarchy are also actively exploring potential loan or permanent departures for fellow forwards Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu.

Defensive departures expected

Beyond the attacking department, Chelsea are currently negotiating the exits of established centre-backs Benoit Badiashile and Axel Disasi.

Portuguese giants Benfica are reportedly showing significant interest in securing the services of defender Tosin Adarabioyo.

Decisions remain pending regarding the immediate futures of promising defensive prospects Mamadou Sarr and Aaron Anselmino.

While Sarr has been heavily linked with a domestic loan move, Anselmino may now be forced to stay put after suffering a suspected hamstring injury during the final match of the club’s pre-season tour.

American businessmen Josh Kushner and Bob Iger have agreed to purchase the Los Angeles Lakers from Mark Walter for a record-breaking sum exceeding $12bn (£9.5bn).

The staggering agreement represents the highest price ever paid for a professional sports franchise globally.

It abruptly ends Walter’s brief tenure as majority owner of the historic basketball institution.

The TWG Global chairman had only assumed a controlling interest from the Buss family last October following unanimous approval from the NBA Board of Governors.

Pivot from Las Vegas expansion

Both Kushner and former Disney chief executive Iger were initially focused on establishing a new expansion team in Nevada.

However, the duo executed a stunning pivot to submit an aggressive, successful bid for the 17-time NBA champions.

The transaction fundamentally shifts the ownership landscape of one of sport’s most recognisable global brands.

Walter’s vast sporting portfolio

Despite relinquishing control of the California-based organisation, Walter maintains a massive footprint across international sports.

His diversified holding company continues to hold significant interests in Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers and the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks.

Walter’s expansive sporting portfolio also stretches across the Atlantic to include Premier League side Chelsea alongside the Professional Women’s Hockey League.

Furthermore, the American billionaire remains heavily involved in motorsport, possessing several auto racing teams including Cadillac Formula 1.