Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Photo by David Balogh/Getty ImagesPhoto by Christian Bruna/Getty Images
Real Madrid have made six signings in what has been a blockbuster summer transfer window, equally backed up by smart sales as well.
The club are not finished in the transfer market, with the club now prioritising the signing of a left-footed centre-back before the window closes.
According to Hector Gonzales on El Larguero, reinforcing the left side of central defence has emerged as one of the final objectives for Jose Mourinho and the sporting department as they continue shaping the squad for the new season.
Madrid are actively looking for a natural left-footer who can provide balance in the back line.
That profile would give Mourinho a different option in possession, particularly when building from the back.
A defender comfortable opening his body onto his stronger left foot can improve passing angles and progression.
Ibrahima Konate, France and Real Madrid player
Real Madrid have already signed Ibrahima Konate. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
It would also allow Madrid to avoid forcing right-footed centre-backs into unfamiliar roles on the left side.
Madrid’s current first-team squad has Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, Raul Asencio and Ibrahima Konate as central defensive options.
Asencio’s future at the club is far from certain, and the Spaniard could be a candidate on the exit ramp this summer.
Meanwhile, while Huijsen is two-footed and can play on the left side of defence, he has struggled to get going so far in his Madrid career.
Rudiger is also adept at playing on the left side of central defence but the German is getting on in age and no longer the reliable option that he once was.
Alessandro Bastoni, Inter Milan player
Alessandro Bastoni has been linked with Real Madrid. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
That leaves Militao and Konate, both of whom are predominantly right-footed and quite limited when played on the left side.
The transfer market is definitely not short of naturally left-footed central defenders, should the club choose to go down that route.
There are the usual suspects like Alessandro Bastoni and Nico Schlotterbeck, both of whom have been linked with moves to the club.
Even if Madrid decide to look elsewhere, there are talented defenders all around the world who would be a great fit for the team.
It remains to be seen if Madrid make signing a left-footed CB their priority in the remaining weeks of the summer transfer window.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images
Real Madrid may have made as many as six signings this summer in what has been a blockbuster transfer window.
However, the club could not wrap up a deal for one of Jose Mourinho’s priority midfield targets, Rodri from Manchester City.
The Spanish World Cup-winning midfielder is now in talks to join Barcelona, with the Catalan club trying to agree a final fee with Manchester City.
According to AS, despite the setback, Mourinho is completely aligned with Real Madrid’s hierarchy, with no internal crisis or tension over missing out on the midfielder.
The Portuguese coach understood the situation from the beginning and remains confident that the club can still finish the summer with a highly competitive squad.
The report stresses that Mourinho would have welcomed Rodri, but never treated the failed deal as a major setback.
Mourinho completely understands Rodri’s decision to join Barcelona. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Real Madrid had discussed the midfielder internally and saw him as an important possible addition, especially after the World Cup.
However, there was never a full agreement with the player and no serious negotiation with Manchester City.
Rodri ultimately chose Barcelona, and Mourinho accepted that decision without creating any friction with the board.
Since returning to Real Madrid, Mourinho has worked in constant communication with Florentino Perez, Jose Angel Sanchez and Juni Calafat.
The coach has identified needs, suggested profiles and been clear about players who are not part of his plans, but the process has been collaborative rather than confrontational.
One of Mourinho’s early ideas was to use Bernardo Silva as a central organiser if necessary. He strongly pushed for the Portuguese midfielder’s signing because of his versatility and intelligence.
Mourinho is aligned with Real Madrid. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
With Rodri now off the table, that plan becomes more relevant. Bernardo could get even more faith as the club’s deep-lying playmaker.
Real Madrid are still monitoring the market for midfield opportunities, but they are not expected to force a signing simply for the sake of it.
Mourinho and the board continue to assess possible additions, but they are comfortable with the current options, particularly Bernardo Silva, Arda Guler and Aurelien Tchouameni.
However, the important thing is that Jose has not got upset over not signing one of his priority midfield options this summer.
The lack of a deep-lying playmaker has cost Los Blancos dearly in the past couple of seasons, and Rodri would have been the perfect signing.
However, even in his absence, the club have Bernardo Silva, who can do a great job there, and the onus is on Jose to get the most out of him this upcoming season.