JOSE MOURINHO is returning to Real Madrid and plans significant changes throughout the club, from the board to the youth academy and medical staff. In his radical overhaul, he has requested the appointment of a new sports director. Mourinho proposed Maria Branco (50), also a Portuguese and the current sports director at Benfica, but the club declined the suggestion. This was revealed by insider Javier Rodriguez Pascual.

Mourinho’s Working Relationship with Branco

Mourinho has had a successful collaboration with Branco, who brought him to Fenerbahçe in the summer of 2024 and to Benfica last summer. Branco previously held the role of sports director at Fenerbahçe and was known for his tenure at Hajduk Split from 2016 to 2018, under the presidency of Ivan Kos.

Branco’s Impact at Hajduk Split

During his time at Hajduk Split, Branco notably sold Nikola Vlašić to Everton for €10.8 million, which was the club’s record transfer at the time until the sale of Luke Vušković to Tottenham for €11 million. Other significant transfers included selling Ante Palaversa to Manchester City for €7 million, Lovre Kalinić to Gent for €3 million, and Tina Sven Sušić to Genk for €2 million.

Key Player Arrivals During Branco’s Tenure

Ante Erceg was brought in from Balikesirspor for €375,000 and was later sold to Al-Ahli for €1.5 million. Hamzu Barry was acquired from Apollon Limassola for €250,000. Marko Futac was brought from Mersin without compensation and became the top scorer in the SHNL. Branco also brought Miro Čaktaš and Josip Radošević back to the club without compensation.

Maria Branco’s Career Timeline

2004–2005 Pontevedra (scout)
2005–2006 Wisla Krakow (scout)
2006–2007 Zaglebie Lubin (scout)
2208–2009 Steaua (scout)
2009–2011 Leixoes (sports director)
2011–2012 Astra Ploiesti (sports director)
2012–2016 Estoril (sports director)
2016–2018 Hajduk (sports director)
2018–2020 PAOK (sports director)
2020–2021 Famalicao (sports director)
2022–2025 Fenerbahçe (sports director)
2025– Benfica (sports director)

COMMENT: This is a big move, and Mourinho knows what he’s doing. But why didn’t Real Madrid listen to him about Branco? They might be missing out on a great sports director. What do you think?