Following two trophy-less campaigns, Real Madrid invested heavily this summer, bringing in six new players in an effort to return the club to its winning pedigree.
The club focused primarily on shoring up a vulnerable backline, landing Marc Cucurella, Ibrahima Konaté and Denzel Dumfries, while largely neglecting a midfield that was crying out for quality additions. Having missed out on Rodri, Los Blancos managed only to add Bernardo Silva to José Mourinho's midfield options.
Before the transfer window shut, Yan Diomande and Carlos Espí completed their moves to the Bernabéu, injecting new energy into an already talent-laden attack.
On paper, it was a largely positive window, though not every new arrival has swiftly adjusted to the immense pressure and expectations that come with wearing the Real Madrid shirt.
Here's a look at how each signing has performed through the opening weeks of the campaign.
6. Bernardo Silva

Appearances: 6
Once it became apparent that Bernardo Silva would be Real Madrid's sole midfield acquisition this summer, the ex-Manchester City star was set up for an uphill battle. Regardless of his contributions, he was never going to fill the deep-lying playmaker void Los Blancos have craved since Toni Kroos hung up his boots.
Silva featured in Mourinho's starting lineup early on, but only because Aurélien Tchouaméni was sidelined through injury. Once the Frenchman recovered, Silva was relegated to the bench and has made little impact since.
It's difficult for Silva to truly cement his place when he's being introduced in the final minutes of matches. He isn't the kind of impact substitute Real Madrid require when they're either clinging to a lead or chasing a goal.
For the time being, Silva remains little more than an afterthought.
5. Yan Diomande

Appearances: 8
Real Madrid fended off interest from several of Europe's elite clubs to secure Yan Diomande in a deal worth up to a club-record €140 million ($160.3 million). The Côte d'Ivoire international was anticipated to complete a glittering attack and finally solve the long-standing problem on Los Blancos' right wing.
Yet the teenager finds himself fighting for minutes, unable to break into Mourinho's starting eleven. Diomande has been handed just two starts in eight appearances this season—somewhat unjustly—and is still awaiting his first goal in the famous white kit.
Much of the responsibility falls on Mourinho for failing to give the former RB Leipzig forward a proper opportunity to prove himself. In his two starts, Diomande registered an assist, created five chances and completed 10 dribbles.
The talent is undeniable, but there's only so much he can do when Mourinho appears determined to deploy him as a squad player rather than a first-choice starter.
4. Denzel Dumfries

Appearances: 7
Many assumed Real Madrid brought in Denzel Dumfries purely as a backup option, but the former Inter Milan man claimed the starting berth from Trent Alexander-Arnold and is now Mourinho's first-choice right back.
While it's fair to say Dumfries offers more defensive reliability than the England international, his performances haven't exactly been eye-catching. He frequently looks a step behind the tempo of the game, contributes little in attack and regularly requires cover when defending on the break.
Had he been signed purely as a rotation option, the scrutiny surrounding his displays would be far more forgiving. Instead, he holds the starting spot without consistently performing at the level that warrants it.
3. Marc Cucurella

Appearances: 8
Heading into the season, Marc Cucurella was widely tipped to be Real Madrid's standout signing. He offered a clear upgrade on the left side of defense and helped reshape an entirely new-look backline.
Los Blancos are yet to witness the freshly crowned World Cup winner at his peak, however. Cucurella is still finding his feet at a new club—a situation made harder by Vinícius Júnior's persistent reluctance to contribute defensively.
The Spaniard frequently finds himself isolated, tasked with covering vast stretches of ground and tracking multiple opponents, which has left him exposed more often than supporters would have anticipated.
Even so, it's difficult to hold Cucurella too accountable for the defensive lapses caused by his teammates.
2. Ibrahima Konaté

Appearances: 7
Ibrahima Konaté arrived in Madrid off the back of a difficult final season at Anfield. His reputation had taken a significant hit, particularly after barely featuring for France at the 2026 World Cup.
However, with Éder Militão still on the treatment table, Konaté was inserted straight into Mourinho's defensive unit and has proven to be a pleasant revelation. There have been the odd shaky moment in his own penalty area, but by and large, the Frenchman has been composed, reliable and a reassuring presence at the back.
Perhaps the clearest sign of Konaté's early impact is how much Dean Huijsen's performances have improved alongside him — at least until the Madrid derby.
1. Carlos Espí

Appearances: 5
Carlos Espí — the cheapest signing, the one with the fewest minutes and the lowest pre-season expectations — has emerged as the club's most valuable and impactful acquisition so far. The striker is directly responsible for six of Real Madrid's 15 points in the opening weeks of the season, a contribution none of the other new arrivals can match.
When called upon, Espí delivers. He had been on the pitch for just 10 minutes when he struck a dramatic late winner against Espanyol, and needed only four minutes to seal victory against Elche.
To put it in perspective, a player with just 26 minutes of action across all competitions has already outscored Vinícius Jr this season — and that alone is reason enough for him to top this list.
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