Jose Mourinho, Real Madrid manager
Picture credit: X/@realmadrid
Real Madrid may have finished their business for the summer, but the possibility of further reinforcements has not been completely ruled out.
According to an update from Rodra, relayed by Defensa Central, Real Madrid could return to the transfer market in January for both a centre-back and a midfielder, but only if José Mourinho feels his current squad is not functioning as expected.
Los Blancos have already made six signings during the summer and appear satisfied with the work completed so far.
In fact, Mourinho himself recently made it clear that he does not believe his squad requires further additions before the transfer window closes.
“Do I need more signings? No. I like this squad. We have solutions, quality, and players. I also believe I can improve players.”
For now, therefore, Real Madrid’s transfer plans appear to be on hold.
However, Rodra’s latest information suggests that Mourinho could still have two positions in mind if problems emerge during the first half of the season.
A midfielder and centre-back could arrive in January
Jose Mourinho and Florentino Perez of Real Madrid
Jose Mourinho has said no more signings are expected this summer. (Photo courtesy: Real Madrid official website)
The centre-back and midfield positions have been discussed around Real Madrid since Mourinho’s appointment.
Despite the club bringing in six new players this summer, reports have continued to suggest that the Portuguese manager would ideally like another defender and a midfielder capable of organising play from deeper areas.
For the moment, Mourinho is prepared to work with the players already at his disposal.
However, Rodra claims the situation could change once the season is underway.
“If Mourinho’s team isn’t working, they’ll sign the midfielder and centre-back he needs in the winter,” the journalist said.
He then suggested that Mourinho’s arrival could also lead to a change in Real Madrid’s usual approach to the January transfer window.
Jose Mourinho, head coach of Real Madrid
Real Madrid could return to the transfer market in January. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
“I think the ‘we don’t sign anyone in the winter’ policy would change with Mourinho,” he added.
Mourinho ready to trust current squad
Mourinho’s recent comments suggest he is happy with the options currently available, but that does not necessarily mean he believes the squad is perfect.
Rather, the manager appears confident that he has enough quality and tactical flexibility to begin the season without demanding another immediate signing.
The first few months could therefore act as an extended test.
Real Madrid will have the chance to see whether the midfield combinations work, whether the existing centre-backs provide enough security and how quickly the new signings settle into Mourinho’s system.
Only then could the club decide whether further investment is needed.
Endrick, Real Madrid player
Endrick, Real Madrid player
Endrick’s chances of featuring in Real Madrid’s La Liga opener against Espanyol appear to be fading after the Brazilian forward reportedly missed another training session with the squad.
According to a recent update from Ruben Martin, the 20-year-old is still working his way back towards full fitness and was once again absent from group training.
The Brazilian’s future has been one of the major talking points around the club in recent weeks, but his immediate concern is fitness.
Endrick had hoped to recover in time for Mourinho’s first competitive match of the season, although his continued absence from full training makes his involvement increasingly unlikely.
Muscle problem began before Schalke match
The issue first emerged during Real Madrid’s pre-season preparations ahead of the friendly against Schalke.
Endrick suffered muscle overload and was subsequently left out of the squad for the match against the German side.
Endrick, Real Madrid player
Endrick has missed another training session. (Photo by Christian Bruna/Getty Images)
At the time, there was hope that the problem would not keep him out for long and that he could return in time for the Espanyol vs Real Madrid clash.
The exact timing of the physical issue was initially unclear, but the club has since taken a cautious approach with the young forward.
Endrick experienced muscle discomfort during the previous week, which forced him to miss group training.
Although the problem was not viewed as a major new injury and he was later said to have recovered, Real Madrid did not immediately push him back into match action.
Instead, the Brazilian was placed on an individual programme designed to manage his workload and reduce the risk of further physical problems.
The decision was therefore more about protecting the player than reacting to a serious setback.
Endrick of Real Madrid
Endrick is doubtful for Espanyol clash. (Photo by David Balogh/Getty Images)
However, his latest absence from group training suggests that his recovery is taking longer than initially hoped.
Real Madrid prioritising Endrick’s recovery
With the Espanyol match approaching, Real Madrid appear unwilling to take unnecessary risks.
Endrick is still a young player, and rushing him back after a period of muscle discomfort could create a bigger problem later in the season.
The club’s medical and technical staff have therefore focused on getting him fully ready rather than simply forcing him to reach match fitness for the opening fixture.
That cautious approach now makes it difficult to imagine the Brazilian starting against Espanyol.
Even a place in the squad could be in doubt if he does not return to full training before Mourinho finalises his plans.