What will Real Madrid look like next season and what is Mourinho expected to bring?

With less than two weeks until Real Madrid's official season kick-off, the club is operating calmly but keeping a close eye on the transfer market. The squad is considered 95% complete, but further moves are not ruled out, primarily outgoing transfers, or new signings if sales occur or significant injuries arise.

Real Madrid looks back with satisfaction at a summer transfer window that saw eight new additions (seven players, including Endrick, plus Mourinho). These transfers were largely financed by the controlled sale of academy players. The biggest investment was the acquisition of Jan Diomande, but significant efforts were also made for Marc Cucurella, Carlos Espi, and Denzel Dumfries. Furthermore, Madrid utilized a well-known approach – bringing in free agents like Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate to bolster the squad with proven, experienced elite players capable of delivering immediate results for José Mourinho, the other major name in the market for the "Whites." All this, without forgetting the contract renewal of Vinicius, whom many considered almost sold – another major market coup by "Los Blancos."

Rodri's Role

The unsuccessful attempt to sign Rodri, for whom Real Madrid made serious efforts, does not alter the club's plans. In fact, the Spaniard's role was preemptively covered by the arrival of Bernardo, who is expected to bring stability to the build-up play of the future Real. Additionally, the potential of players like Arda Güler and Thiago Pitarch for similar tasks is highly valued, with the club placing full trust in them. According to sources from Madrid, contacted by "Marca," rumors of a possible deal with Arsenal for Zubimendi are completely unfounded.

Highly Valued Midfielders

Rodri's rejection does not necessarily mean bringing in a midfield alternative. This largely depends on a potential sale in that area. The club has received inquiries for Fede Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, and Eduardo Camavinga. The captain immediately shut the door on a transfer. In the case of the two Frenchmen, especially Tchouaméni, interest from several Premier League clubs is strong. Madrid counts on both of them, but new attempts to sign them from other teams are not out of the question. In such a scenario, a door would open for a new midfielder.

Brutal Attack

The club trusts in Mourinho's wisdom to maximize an attack that, on paper at least, promises immense potential. Bellingham behind the central striker, Vinicius and Diomande on the wings, and Mbappé leading the line. Few clubs (perhaps only PSG) can boast such a powerful offense. There is complete confidence in Mou's ability to unleash the full potential of the attack, where players like Endrick, Espi, Arda, or Brahim can also be important. In the Brazilian's case, trust is absolute, and the club believes this could be the season of his establishment as a Madrid star. At Valdebebas, the possibility of loaning out Endrick, which had been speculated in recent days, is not being considered unless there is a radical change in the player's own stance.

Short or Deep Squad?

After the victory against Ferencváros, Mourinho spoke of a "short squad," which in certain circles was interpreted as criticism of the club. Nothing could be further from the truth. Currently, the Madrid squad numbers 26 players – a figure that is actually considered slightly excessive by the club. The management knows that during the season, some players will not get much playing time, which always creates awkward situations. On the other hand, it should not be forgotten that Real Madrid is coming off two disastrous seasons in terms of injuries, which also does not suggest an excessive "lightening" of the squad.

Rodrygo and Mendy

These 26 players include two special cases – Rodrygo and Mendy. The prognosis is that neither will be available before the end of the year, with all that entails for planning. In the Brazilian's case, experience with similar injuries to other players (Courtois, Militão, Carvajal, Alaba...) highlights the risk of new injuries stemming from the primary one. As for Mendy, the club has at no point considered terminating the contract of a player injured "in the line of duty" for the badge. Real Madrid always honors signed contracts, unless the player himself requests to be released. A situation that already occurred this summer in the case of Ceballos, and for which a satisfactory solution was found for both parties.

Santiago Siguero, Marca