Mourinho's first 'signing' for January

The Portuguese coach will increase his offensive arsenal in the coming weeks

Mario Roldán Martínez | 8 Oct 2026 | 17.00
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José Mourinho, coach of Real Madrid / Real Madrid CF
José Mourinho, coach of Real Madrid / Real Madrid CF

La Liga
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Real Madrid Villarreal
10/10/26 21:00:00
1.25 6.25 8.50

The Real Madrid transfer market does not contemplate the departure of Rodrygo in the January market and counts on the Brazilian for the second half of the season. The 25-year-old winger continues to recover from a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and external meniscus in his right knee, while José Mourinho expects to have him available between December and January.

Real Madrid expects to recover Rodrygo before January

Rodrygo underwent surgery on March 10, 2026 after suffering both injuries in his right knee. Real Madrid is closely monitoring the recovery process, and the club is aiming for a return closer to January than February.

The progress has allowed the initial forecasts to be advanced. Fabrizio Romano explained in September that there is a feeling within the club that Rodrygo could be available for Mourinho between December and January, although the medical staff does not want to rush the return after such a serious injury.

Real Madrid itself confirmed on October 5 that Rodrygo was still working on his recovery alongside Asensio, Mendy, and Valverde. The priority remains completing the physical process before returning to compete with the first team.

Mourinho will have Rodrygo as reinforcement for 2027

The decision also impacts the market. According to Romano, Rodrygo won't leave in January, despite Arsenal's interest, which had been following his situation before the injury. The scenario of a possible transfer is postponed, at least until the summer of 2027.

For José Mourinho, Rodrygo's recovery means incorporating an offensive alternative without needing to turn to the winter market. The Portuguese coach had already indicated in August that Rodrygo would be out for an extended period when longer timelines were still being considered for his return.

Rodrygo is under contract with Real Madrid until June 30, 2028. His market value is 45 million euros, according to Transfermarkt's latest update on June 5, 2026.

Therefore, the January scenario does not include a sale or loan. Real Madrid expects Rodrygo to complete his recovery and become an internal addition for Mourinho when 2027 begins.

The next step will be to determine when he receives medical clearance and can fully rejoin the team. If he maintains the current progress, Rodrygo could be available again between late 2026 and January, leaving any debate about his future for the summer market.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El primer "fichaje" de Mourinho para enero