{
  "id": 1236687,
  "title": "Mourinho personally calls €60m-rated Italian defender but Real Madrid block transfer request – report",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/mourinho-personally-calls-60m-rated-italian-defender-but-real-madrid",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T08:45:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mourinho-personally-calls-60m-rated-084500892.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jose Mourinho expressed his interest in signing defender Alessandro Bastoni from Inter Milan, despite Real Madrid's reluctance to pay the €60m price tag. Mourinho spoke personally with Bastoni, recognizing him as an ideal addition to his squad, and sees the need for another centre-back as more urgent than strengthening the midfield. Real Madrid, however, has already invested in defending, including players like Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, and Marc Cucurella, and manager Florentino Perez believes they have done enough in that area. The Italian club has also informed Mourinho that Bastoni will not be sold for less than €60m. Mourinho's interest in Bastoni highlights a financial reality that Real Madrid must address, with any potential deal requiring a substantial outlay from the club that has already committed significant funds to its defense.",
  "summary": "Jose Mourinho wants Alessandro Bastoni at Real Madrid, but convincing the club to make another major investment in defence could prove more difficult than convincing the Inter Milan defender himself.A...",
  "key_points": [
    "Mourinho called Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni to express interest in signing him.",
    "Real Madrid refuses to sell Bastoni for €60m, despite Mourinho's personal call.",
    "Inter Milan states Bastoni's price is non-negotiable at €60m."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}