Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images
Real Madrid are not planning to sign another midfielder this summer unless one of their current players leaves, despite missing out on their priority target Rodri.
According to The Athletic, the club’s current stance is that the squad is complete.
Real Madrid already have seven midfielders competing for three positions in Jose Mourinho’s system, leaving the club reluctant to add another player without creating space first.
It must be remembered that Mourinho made his desire for a creative midfielder clear from his first meeting with the club, and Real Madrid responded by signing Bernardo Silva.
However, the club’s transfer plans in midfield now appear to be on hold.
Even though the situation could still change if a player leaves before the window closes, with no member of the current squad actively pushing for an exit, Real Madrid are facing a difficult situation.
Seven midfielders for three key roles
Bernardo Silva, Real Madrid player
Real Madrid have signed Bernardo Silva from Manchester City. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
Mourinho’s expected 4-2-3-1 formation includes three central midfield positions: two deeper roles and one attacking playmaker.
Real Madrid believe they already have enough depth to cover those positions, with seven midfielders offering different profiles and tactical qualities.
The squad includes players capable of providing energy, defensive cover, creativity and attacking threat.
Jude Bellingham, for example, offers a direct presence in and around the penalty area, while Bernardo Silva was brought in to provide the creative quality Mourinho wanted.
Notably, the club have also experimented with other solutions during pre-season, with Trent Alexander-Arnold being used in midfield during certain phases of play when Real Madrid have possession.
The role is not unfamiliar to him, although it is unlikely to become his primary position under Mourinho.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Real Madrid have no plans to sign a new midfielder. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
Understandably so, the club’s view is that there are at least two players capable of covering every position within the 25-man squad and that depth is one of the main reasons why a new midfielder is not expected.
Rodri miss does not change transfer plans
Real Madrid had explored the possibility of strengthening their midfield further, with Rodri among the players of interest.
However, the Spanish midfielder now appears more likely to join Barcelona, leaving Real Madrid without one of their key targets.
Even so, the club is not expected to rush into the market for a replacement.
According to the report, Real Madrid’s position is clear: there will be no new midfield signing unless departures create room in the squad.
That could prove difficult because no current player is reportedly looking to leave.
Former Real Madrid defender warns Real Madrid about summer signing’s new role: ‘Going to need some help’
Rafael Alkorta, former Real Madrid player
Picture Credit: Shaun Botterill /Allsport
Bernardo Silva may have arrived at Real Madrid as one of the key additions to Jose Mourinho’s new-look midfield, but former Los Blancos defender Rafael Alkorta believes the Portuguese star will need the right support around him.
The 32-year-old joined Real Madrid to add creativity and control to a midfield that was often criticised for being overly physical last season.
Mourinho has already admitted that Bernardo arrived in less-than-ideal physical condition, but the Portuguese manager is still expected to make him a regular part of his plans.
Speaking on El Larguero on SER, Alkorta praised the Bernardo Silva signing but warned that Real Madrid must be careful not to overload the experienced midfielder with too many responsibilities.
Bernardo Silva could transform Real Madrid’s midfield
Real Madrid needed a different profile in midfield, and Bernardo Silva appears to offer exactly that.
Bernardo Silva, Real Madrid midfielder
Alkorta has warned about the usage of Bernardo Silva. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
The Portuguese international is capable of controlling possession, finding space between the lines and setting the rhythm of a game.
Those qualities could bring a different balance to a Real Madrid midfield that already has plenty of energy and physical strength.
However, Alkorta believes Bernardo’s role in the centre of the pitch could come with a demanding workload.
The former Real Madrid player explained that operating at the heart of the build-up requires constant movement, particularly for a player expected to drop deep, receive the ball and dictate the team’s attacking tempo.
“He’s a brilliant signing, a very complete player, but I get the feeling he’s going to need some help because being at the heart of the build-up, especially in the first half, is physically demanding.
“You have to move around a lot, constantly look for the ball and get the rest of the team playing at the pace you want.
Bernardo Silva, Real Madrid player
Bernardo Silva has signed from Manchester City. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
“He’s a player who works incredibly hard off the ball, and we’ll need to strike a balance between that hard work off the ball and his creativity,” the former player explained.
Real Madrid warned not to overload Bernardo
Alkorta’s main concern is that Bernardo cannot be expected to do everything.
If the midfielder is asked to lead Real Madrid’s build-up, create opportunities in the final third and also carry a major defensive workload, the demands could eventually take their toll.
That is why Alkorta believes the team must provide him with the right balance and support.
“He’ll need support because if you expect him to come up with ideas in attack whilst also winning the ball back in defence, he’ll end up being worn out,” he concluded.