Jose Mourinho has expressed his hope that his former club, Real Madrid, wins the race to sign rising star Nico Williams, who has attracted interest from top European clubs.
The 22-year-old, who impressed during Spain’s European Championship triumph last summer, has been linked with Arsenal, Chelsea, and Barcelona.
However, Mourinho, speaking ahead of Fenerbahce’s Europa League clash with Athletic Bilbao, made it clear that he prefers Williams to join Madrid.
Though Williams has not posted groundbreaking numbers at Athletic Bilbao, where he has scored 22 goals in 142 appearances, his potential was undeniable during Euro 2024.
He scored in the final against England and was named player of the match as Spain claimed the title. His performances on the international stage have seen him become one of Europe’s most sought-after young talents.
Despite the competition from Premier League giants Arsenal and Chelsea, Mourinho, who previously managed Real Madrid, had high praise for Williams. “Nico is wonderful,” he said.
“At the last Euros, everyone was talking about Yamal, but personally, I prefer Nico; he is a fantastic footballer.”
Mourinho also joked about the prospect of a Turkish club signing him, saying, “One cannot think that a Turkish club could sign him; I hope he ends up at Real Madrid.”
Mourinho, who won La Liga with Madrid in 2012, also shared his thoughts on the club’s current struggles this season.
Despite winning La Liga and the Champions League last year, Madrid has had an underwhelming start to the 2024-25 campaign, sitting behind Barcelona domestically and struggling in Europe.
“I am very much a Real Madrid fan; they have the best coach in the world, my friend Carlo,” he said, referring to Carlo Ancelotti. “We need to remain calm; I think the same as Carlo. The victories will come.”
Meanwhile, Mourinho’s Fenerbahce is second in the Turkish Super Lig, trailing Galatasaray by six points. In Europe, the Turkish club currently sits 15th in the Europa League as they prepare for the upcoming match against Bilbao.