Real Madrid are staring at their first pre-season friendly against Fiorentina, and Jose Mourinho already stares at a situation where not a single first-team defender is available.
While the new signing Ibrahima Konate is on vacation, Antonio Rudiger is still not back up to speed to feature yet. Dean Huijsen is suffering from discomfort, Raul Asencio is injured and Eder Militao is far from returning from his long-term injury.
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At this point, it is thus clear as daylight to Jose Mourinho that a new centre-back is the need of the hour, and the manager is thus pushing for the signing.
A world-class option needed
As relayed by MARCA in a recent report, Real Madrid want to sign a world-class centre-back this summer and see it as an absolute priority. The manager sees his project as ‘crying out’ for a new defender to add depth.
Asencio must leave for a new signing. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
For one player to arrive, however, one must depart and the club are already working on sealing the exit of Raul Asencio to free up the needed space.
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Even the academy graduate’s recent injury does not change the club’s stance and they still plan on selling him, although they know well that it will be more complicated with him suffering a setback. August will be crucial on that front.
Academy stars stand out
Jose Mourinho has never been one to count heavily on academy stars, but he will likely be forced to do so in Real Madrid’s upcoming preseason friendly. There are, after all, good talents in La Fabrica who can be reliable backups.
Bastoni is a top transfer target. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
Lamini Fati and Joan Martinez are two of the most promising names in the academy who will likely even feature in the team’s upcoming games.
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While a new signing will indeed be prioritised, Martinez and Fati have a big chance to prove a point and earn a place in Jose Mourinho’s dynamics for next season.
In terms of new signings, Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni has emerged as the top transfer target in recent weeks, although it will prove to be another expensive affair. The club, however, appear to be confident of having the economic freedom to pull off the deal.
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