Real Madrid have once again excited their supporters in the transfer market. Bernardo Silva, Cucurella M. , Dumfries and Konaté have raised the level of a squad that still aims to keep improving. The arrival of Yan Diomandé is practically secured, and after weeks of hesitation the club has accepted that the definitive leap forward requires bringing in Rodri. But that entire roadmap carries a non-negotiable condition. Before signing again, Madrid must create space.
And that is where the real summer challenge begins. The sporting directors need to activate an outgoing operation far more complex than the incoming business. José Mourinho has already defined the type of squad he wants, but building it requires making uncomfortable decisions across every position. There are players who do not fit his plans, youngsters who need regular minutes, and others whose sale would unlock the last strategic deals.
A revolution affecting every line
The first name on the table is Asencio R. . At present he is the player most likely to leave the club. That situation contrasts with the determination he has shown this summer. The Spanish centre-back has pushed himself physically during the holidays with a single goal: to convince Mourinho. He wants to stay and reverse a very difficult season. However, that vision does not match the Portuguese coach’s. Mourinho prioritises the signing of another centre-back and believes the squad needs adjustments to accommodate that profile. In that scenario, Asencio appears as the main candidate to depart, and the club is studying different options.
The next major front is midfield. The most delicate file bears the name Camavinga E. . The Frenchman still attracts interest, particularly in England, and Real Madrid understands that a significant sale would make it far easier to secure the defensive midfielder Mourinho J. deems essential. It will not be an easy negotiation. He is contracted until 2029, does not look inclined to facilitate a move, and the club does not intend to undersell a player of his age and potential. Nevertheless, after a season well below expectations—marred by a lack of continuity and inconsistent performances—he has ceased to be one of the untouchables in the squad.
One winner, one casualty, and a special plan
The attack also took an unexpected turn during preseason. Gonzalo arrived into the summer with significant offers and looked like a likely departure. Yet Mourinho has completely reversed that scenario. The Portuguese coach believes there is no other striker in the squad with his attributes. He sees in him a No. 9 capable of occupying centre-backs, dominating aerial play and providing a different option when matches demand another style of football. Mourinho considers that profile indispensable to keep, and is trying to convince him after a season in which he again lacked minutes despite being the only natural back-up to Mbappe K.
That decision has an immediate effect on Endrick. The Brazilian once again faces a situation similar to the one from earlier months. He needs minutes to continue his development, but attacking competition is enormous. If circumstances do not change during preseason, another loan looks like a very real possibility to prevent his progression from stalling. A similar reflection applies to Mastantuono. The Argentine has made an excellent impression on Mourinho from his first training sessions. His talent has met the expectations placed on him and the club retains full confidence in a player expected to mark an era at the Bernabéu. Precisely because of that, a possibility that until a few weeks ago seemed unlikely is gaining traction: finding him a destination where he can play regularly.
At Valdebebas they keep the example of Nico Paz close in mind. The youth player’s growth away from Valdebebas reinforced the idea that certain talents need to compete every weekend to accelerate their development. The same reasoning is beginning to apply to Mastantuono. No one doubts his quality; the only question is where he can fully develop that talent, since Valdebebas does not want to repeat recent mistakes. As things stand, Mourinho will have to solve the puzzle he has helped create.
Comments 0