For his return to the Real Madrid bench, José Mourinho had some gifts from his management. Marc Cucurella, his priority at left back, has arrived. Same for the right side with Denzel Dumfries. In defense, Ibrahima Konaté arrived free from Liverpool. Same thing for Bernardo Silva, who left Manchester City at the end of his contract. In the offensive sector, Carlos Espi was recruited. Florentino Pérez also broke the bank to recruit Yan Diomandé for €140 million. A recruit who was not necessarily a priority for the Special One.
Mourinho was right
Indeed, the Setubal native made it clear to his management that he urgently wanted a midfielder, a true leader and capable of bringing his experience and qualities to the group. A composite portrait which corresponds to that of Rodri, whom Mourinho contacted in person to present his project in Madrid. Eventually, the Spain international joined Barça. Mourinho did not get the recruit he hoped for despite his requests. She’s not the only one. The former Chelsea coach had also asked his management for an additional versatile central defender, visibly unconvinced by all the players at his disposal.
And the start of the Merengues season partly proves him right. If Dean Huijsen is much better, the Madrid rearguard is not very reassuring. Sport also proves him right this Friday. The Spanish publication explains that Mourinho was right to insist on recruiting a midfielder and a defender when we see the team’s shortcomings in these positions. To make matters worse, Real Madrid is facing injuries, particularly at the back. Raul Asencio, who has not yet played, will miss several months of competition due to a stress fracture in the tibia of his right leg.
A defensive reinforcement expected in 2027
Ibrahima Konaté, who did not impress that much, returned injured from the France team gathering. Eder Militão sees the end of the tunnel. But the Brazilian, victim of a new muscle injury last April, is not yet fit. Dean Huijsen will miss the next match because he is suspended after his exclusion during the Madrid derby. Mourinho, who will count in particular on Antonio Rüdiger, would not have spat on a specialist for the additional position. He will perhaps win his case in the coming months since it is believed that he was right.
This Friday, Bild reveals that the residents of the Santiago-Bernabéu stadium are monitoring Jarell Quansah (23 years old) very closely. Currently at Bayer Leverkusen, the player under contract until 2030 has participated in 6 matches this season (333 minutes played, 1 assist). His qualities, his potential and his versatility are highly appreciated in Madrid. If its market value is estimated at €45 million per transfermarkt, Bild recalls that Liverpool has a buyout option of €70 million until June 15, 2027. In Germany, it is estimated that it is possible that the Reds will repatriate the player. Chelsea and Arsenal are also in the running. Real Madrid, which wants to strengthen this position in the winter or summer of 2027, is already at work to find the rare pearl.
