Two gaps still to fill
José Mourinho has not officially started work on the training pitch, but his influence over Real Madrid’s summer rebuild is already clear.
Real Madrid confirmed in the club’s official announcement of Mourinho’s appointment that the Portuguese coach has signed a three-year contract until June 30, 2029, and will take charge on July 13, when preseason begins.
The squad he inherits has already been reshaped. Madrid have moved early in the window, with Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konaté among the confirmed arrivals, while Denzel Dumfries has also been widely reported as part of the club’s defensive overhaul.
Still, Mourinho does not appear satisfied. According to Marco Ruiz and Calum Roche in AS’ report on Mourinho’s Real Madrid transfer priorities, the coach wants two more profiles before the window closes: another centre-back and a midfielder capable of giving Madrid control, movement and authority through the middle.
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The search for a midfield leader
Madrid’s midfield search is not simply about adding another body. Mourinho wants a player who can influence the tempo of games, cover ground and bring structure to a side that has often missed the calm authority once provided by Luka Modrić.
Enzo Fernández is one of the most ambitious names on the list. As reported by ESPN’s story on Madrid’s interest in the Chelsea midfielder, the Argentine is admired at the Bernabéu as the club continues to assess midfield options.
The problem is the price. Chelsea paid more than €120 million to sign him in 2023, and any deal would likely require another enormous investment. That makes him attractive, but complicated.
Mateus Fernandes is another option. According to Jacob Steinberg in The Guardian’s report on Manchester United’s pursuit of the West Ham midfielder, United have been leading the chase for the Portuguese midfielder, while West Ham value him at around £80 million.
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West Ham’s relegation to the Championship could shape the negotiation, but Madrid would still face competition from the Premier League. Fernandes’ age, energy and technical range make him an appealing profile, though not necessarily an easier deal.
Ayyoub Bouaddi has also been monitored. According to Saikat Chatterjee in The Hard Tackle’s report on Madrid’s interest in the Lille midfielder, the Spanish club are among several major sides following the teenager, with Arsenal and Liverpool also linked.
Bouaddi is not the most immediate option, but his World Cup performances have strengthened his reputation. For Madrid, he represents a different kind of bet: younger, less proven and likely cheaper than Enzo, but still expensive enough to require a clear sporting plan.
A centre-back depends on sales
Mourinho’s request for another centre-back is closely tied to Madrid’s outgoing business. Raúl Asencio’s future is uncertain, while other squad players, including Dani Ceballos and Fran García, have been mentioned in reports about possible departures.
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The defensive shortlist remains ambitious. Alessandro Bastoni is admired, but Inter Milan would demand a major fee. Nico Schlotterbeck is another name of interest and may be more attainable.
As described by Transfermarkt’s report on Schlotterbeck’s Dortmund contract, the German defender’s new deal is said to include a release clause worth between €50 million and €60 million, valid from this summer and applying only to selected clubs.
That clause makes him one of the more realistic elite-level centre-back options, though his recent injury situation would have to be assessed carefully before any move.
Rúben Dias has also been linked in previous reports, but a deal with Manchester City is seen as highly difficult. For now, Madrid’s defensive planning appears to depend on whether the club can create space in the squad and raise funds through departures.
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A careful rebuild before preseason
Mourinho’s return has brought urgency, but also caution. Madrid have already moved decisively in several positions, and the next signings are likely to be more strategic than opportunistic.
The coach also has internal decisions to make. Young players such as Gonzalo García and Franco Mastantuono are expected to be assessed during preseason, which could influence whether Madrid pursue a secondary forward in the market.
As quoted by Lucas Navarrete in Managing Madrid’s report on Mourinho’s Vanity Fair interview, Mourinho described his early approach in measured terms: “I’m there to help everybody—not to criticize, not to speak, but to listen.”
That message fits the moment. Madrid have already invested heavily, but the squad is not yet complete. Mourinho wants a stronger spine, a clearer midfield identity and another defensive pillar before the serious work begins.
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The market will decide how much of that vision becomes reality.
