Jose Mourinho’s previous comments about Pedro Neto have resurfaced as the Portuguese manager prepares to take charge at Real Madrid. The 62-year-old previously described the Chelsea winger as one of the world’s best players in his position and admitted he would love to sign him. According to Football.london.
Mourinho’s Neto admiration could spark Real Madrid transfer pursuit
While Enzo Fernandez dominates headlines regarding potential moves to Real Madrid, Mourinho’s September 2025 comments about Pedro Neto suggest the Chelsea winger could be his preferred target. Speaking ahead of Benfica’s Champions League clash with Chelsea, Mourinho declared Neto as “one of the best wingers in the world”.
The former Chelsea manager expressed clear interest in acquiring Neto’s services, stating he would “love to have Pedro Neto at Benfica” but cited financial constraints as the primary obstacle. Mourinho noted that Enzo Maresca was privileged to have multiple players of similar quality at his disposal.
Significantly, Mourinho identified finances as the only barrier to signing Neto during his Benfica tenure. The 62-year-old has since moved to Real Madrid, a club with considerably greater financial resources than his previous Portuguese employers, potentially removing that obstacle entirely.
Neto reciprocated Mourinho’s admiration, describing the prospect of working under the Portuguese coach as a privilege. The Chelsea winger praised Mourinho’s achievements for Portugal and Portuguese football, placing him alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Figo as one of the country’s biggest sporting figures.
Florentino Pérez confirmed Mourinho’s appointment as Real Madrid head coach through social media, sharing a video of the Portuguese manager wearing a Los Blancos shirt and simply saying “Yes!” The announcement followed the slogan “So MOUch history to be made” as Pérez seeks re-election as club president.
