Real Madrid Stars Facing the Axe as Mourinho Unleashes His Ruthless Transfer Blitz

Real Madrid Stars Facing the Axe as Mourinho Unleashes His Ruthless Transfer Blitz

He may not have been officially appointed yet, but incoming Real Madrid manager José Mourinho is already reportedly pushing for a minimum of four summer signings to fix the club's obvious weaknesses.

Mourinho, who previously led Los Blancos between 2010 and 2013, has become the leading candidate to succeed Álvaro Arbeloa following the team's dismal 2025–26 campaign. The Portuguese tactician is believed to have already reached a verbal agreement with Real Madrid and is merely waiting for the club's presidential elections to conclude before officially assuming the role.

In the interim, Mourinho is evaluating his new roster and mapping out his transfer approach. AS report the "Special One" is targeting no fewer than four new arrivals at the Bernabéu before next season kicks off.

Topping his priority list are two midfielders, one center back, and one fullback — all considered "essential" additions to restore Real Madrid to title-contending form.

How Mourinho Wants to 'Rebuild' Real Madrid's Midfield

Nico Paz

It's hardly a surprise that Real Madrid have been crying out for midfield reinforcements over the past two seasons. The club neglected to find adequate replacements for Toni Kroos and Luka Modrić, choosing instead to prioritize the acquisition of Kylian Mbappé before the 2024–25 season and then defensive additions the following summer.

The most pressing need is for a deep-lying playmaker. Manchester City's Rodri remains heavily linked with a switch to the Bernabéu, particularly following Pep Guardiola's departure. Chelsea's Enzo Fernández is another name the club has been monitoring closely.

AS report Mourinho is also seeking a creative midfielder, viewing the role as "crucial" to getting the 15-time European champions back on track after yet another season in which the side struggled to break down low defensive blocks.

Former Real Madrid Castilla product and Como sensation Nico Paz stands out as the natural fit for Mourinho. The Argentine, who contributed 13 goals and seven assists this season, was recognized as Serie A's finest midfielder for his pivotal role in his club's historic Champions League qualification.

What makes Paz even more appealing is his accessible price tag of just €9 million ($10.5 million), courtesy of a buy-back clause embedded in his contract.

What Mourinho's Transfer Strategy Means for Real Madrid's Fringe Players

Eduardo Camavinga

If Mourinho gets his way and brings in at least four new players this summer, several current Real Madrid squad members could find themselves heading for the exit. Accommodating a new center back and right back is relatively simple, given that David Alaba and Dani Carvajal are both departing at the end of this season.

However, should Mourinho also pursue a left back, Fran García may find himself surplus to requirements. The Spaniard previously sought a loan move to Bournemouth during the January transfer window in search of more consistent playing time, and his ambitions are unlikely to have shifted.

In midfield, both Dani Ceballos and Eduardo Camavinga could be shown the door. Camavinga in particular has been linked with a number of top European clubs, including Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester United, following another disappointing season at the Bernabéu. The arrival of a new midfielder would only further diminish his prospects, potentially tempting him to seek a fresh start elsewhere where regular starts are guaranteed.

Don't miss a story

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox.