Ex-Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng opens up on how Jose Mourinho tried to sign him for Real Madrid

Former Ghana midfielder Derek Boateng has opened up about nearly joining Spanish giants Real Madrid during his time at Getafe.

Boateng, who moved to La Liga from Bundesliga side FC Köln, quickly established himself as a key player in the Spanish top flight. Reflecting on that period, he recalled a moment that could have dramatically altered his career.

“During my first year at Getafe, I was the MVP. I was the star of the team,” Boateng said.

He revealed that former Real Madrid manager José Mourinho personally reached out with a proposal.

“Mourinho texted me saying he wanted Lassana Diarra out so he could sign me, but asked me to keep it just between us,” Boateng recounted. “The message came while I was on my way to the bank—I was so shocked I could barely react.”

The episode highlights the esteem Mourinho had for the Ghanaian and the narrow margins that can define football careers, where a single message could change everything.

In the end, the move never materialized, leaving fans to wonder what might have been if Boateng had joined Real Madrid at his peak.

During his time at Getafe, he made 77 appearances, scoring twice, before transferring to Ukrainian side FC Dnipro.