Mourinho's three‑player wish forces Real Madrid to trim squad

Jose Mourinho has asked Real Madrid to add three more players – a centre‑back, a midfielder and a penalty‑box striker – as the club prepares for the new season. The Portuguese manager’s request comes after Madrid completed four signings and faces an overcrowded first‑team squad that still needs pruning. Real Madrid have already secured Bernardo Silva, Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries and Marc Cucurella this summer. So far only Dani Ceballos has reached an agreement to leave, leaving the squad still too large for Mourinho’s plans, Mourinho’s priority, however, is to reduce the roster before bringing in further talent. He has identified three profile targets – Alessandro Bastoni, Enzo Fernandez and a veteran striker reminiscent of Joselu – to complete his ideal lineup. In defence, Alessandro Bastoni is Mourinho’s preferred centre‑back if Raul Asencio departs, adding to an existing pool that includes Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen, Antonio Rudiger and Eder Militao. Both Militao and Rudiger have suffered recent physical issues, so Bastoni would raise the ceiling of the position.

Mourinho’s staggered start at Real Madrid amid World Cup chaos

In midfield, Enzo Fernandez is Mourinho’s number‑one request, but signing the Chelsea midfielder would require a major exit such as Eduardo Camavinga or Aurelien Tchouameni. Fernandez would bring a broad passing range, aggression and World Cup‑level experience to Madrid’s midfield. The third target is a tall, experienced striker who can decide tight matches, a profile likened to Joselu. Gonzalo Garcia’s exit has been paused while Mourinho evaluates whether a classic number nine is needed for the upcoming campaign. Madrid’s ability to offload players will determine whether the club can add Bastoni and Fernandez and still keep a balanced squad. If the departures materialise, Mourinho could shape a more streamlined side; otherwise the current overcrowding may limit further acquisitions.