Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images
Real Madrid’s midfield situation remains one of the key talking points this transfer window, but the club may be forced to stand still unless there is a change within the current squad.
According to El Larguero, Real Madrid are not entirely satisfied with how their midfield is functioning, with the current group still struggling to find the right rhythm.
However, any new move in the market appears dependent on the club creating space first.
Notably, Jose Mourinho had already made his desire for a more creative midfielder clear during his first discussions with the club.
Real Madrid responded by bringing in Bernardo Silva, giving the Portuguese manager an experienced option.
Yet despite that signing, the midfield has not fully clicked, and the issue is said to be similar to one the team faced last season.
Real Madrid want improvement before another midfield signing
Eduardo Camavinga, Real Madrid player
No Real Madrid player wants to leave this summer. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
The club’s current position is to focus on getting more from the midfielders already available rather than immediately entering the market for another major signing.
Real Madrid have considered strengthening the area further, with Rodri emerging as one of the names linked with the club.
However, the Manchester City midfielder has decided to move to Barcelona instead.
Hence, the preference is either to improve the performances and understanding of the players already at Mourinho’s disposal or to take advantage of an opportunity in the transfer market if the right player becomes available on suitable terms.
That leaves Real Madrid in a waiting game, as only a departure from the current squad would make it easier for the club to consider another arrival.
At present, though, that possibility appears complicated because none of the midfielders are actively looking to leave before the transfer window closes.
No Real Madrid midfielder is pushing for an exit
Arda Guler, Real Madrid player
Real Madrid midfielders are not clicking. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
This is where Real Madrid’s transfer plans become difficult.
The club has limited room to bring in another midfielder without first changing the balance of the squad.
As such, only a sale or departure would help create that space, but no player currently appears interested in forcing an exit.
As a result, Real Madrid could enter the final part of the transfer window without making another midfield signing, even though there are concerns about the performances of the current group.
The situation could still change if a suitable offer arrives for one of the players or if a member of the squad decides to leave. Until then, however, the club have little reason to make a major move.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images
Real Madrid are heading into the start of the new La Liga season with an early concern at the heart of their defence, as injuries have left Jose Mourinho with only three fit senior centre-backs for the opening match against Espanyol.
According to AS, Eder Militao is still recovering from the long-term injury issues that affected him last season, while Raul Asencio is expected to spend around six weeks on the sidelines after suffering a thigh problem during pre-season.
The situation means Real Madrid could begin their La Liga campaign relying on Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen and summer signing Ibrahima Konate as their only available first-team options in central defence.
Militao and Asencio injuries leave Mourinho short
Real Madrid’s defensive depth has taken a hit before the competitive season has even properly begun.
On paper, Mourinho has five recognised centre-backs in his first-team squad, but two of them are unavailable for the Espanyol clash.
Antonio Rudiger, Real Madrid player
Real Madrid only have three fit senior defenders for La Liga opener. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)
Militao remains on the road to recovery and is not yet ready to return to action, while Asencio’s thigh injury is expected to keep him out for several weeks.
That leaves Mourinho with little room for rotation during the opening phase of the La Liga season.
The biggest question will surround Konate’s readiness. The new Real Madrid signing still has time to work on his fitness, with two weeks and a pre-season friendly against Schalke available before the league campaign gets underway.
Huijsen, meanwhile, is expected to be an important figure once again.
A minor muscle issue kept him out of the team’s first official match, but he was Real Madrid’s most-used centre-back last season and could now be asked to take on a major role from the very beginning.
Joan Martinez could get his chance in La Liga under Mourinho. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
Rudiger completes Mourinho’s available senior trio.
The German defender also dealt with knee problems last season, although he has recently returned to action, playing 45 minutes against Ferencváros before starting the match against Deportivo.
Joan Martinez and Mario Rivas impress Mourinho in pre-season
The lack of available defenders has also opened the door for Real Madrid’s younger players, with Joan Martinez and Mario Rivas having caught Mourinho’s attention during pre-season.
Both youngsters started in the club’s first two friendly matches and have given the Portuguese coach another option as he prepares for the opening weeks of the campaign.
With only three fit senior centre-backs currently available, one of Martinez or Rivas could be required to step up as the fourth central defender in the squad.