Despite several major signings during the summer transfer window, Real Madrid are still not completely satisfied with the balance of their squad. José Mourinho, who had repeatedly asked for another defender, could finally get his wish in the coming months.
Since returning to the Real Madrid bench, Mourinho has already been backed significantly by the club. Marc Cucurella, one of his main targets at left-back, arrived to strengthen that position, while Denzel Dumfries was brought in on the opposite flank. In central defence, Ibrahima Konaté joined on a free transfer from Liverpool, while Bernardo Silva also arrived after the end of his Manchester City contract.
Real Madrid also strengthened their attack with Carlos Espi, while Florentino Pérez made a huge financial commitment to sign Yan Diomandé for €140 million. However, the winger was not necessarily Mourinho’s main priority.
The Portuguese coach had made it clear that he wanted an experienced midfielder capable of becoming a leader in the dressing room and bringing more control to the team. Rodri perfectly matched that profile, and Mourinho even contacted the Spanish international personally to explain his project in Madrid. In the end, however, Rodri chose to join Barcelona.
Mourinho was therefore left without the midfielder he wanted. It was not his only request that went unanswered. The former Chelsea manager had also asked Real Madrid to sign another versatile centre-back, as he was reportedly not fully convinced by all of the defensive options available to him.
The opening weeks of the season have partly justified his concerns.
Although Dean Huijsen has shown encouraging signs, Real Madrid’s defence has lacked consistency and has already been affected by several injuries. Spanish newspaper Sport claimed this week that Mourinho was right to insist on reinforcements in midfield and defence given the weaknesses currently visible in the squad.
Raúl Asencio has yet to play this season and is expected to be sidelined for several months after suffering a stress fracture in his right tibia. Konaté, meanwhile, returned injured from international duty with France and has not yet fully convinced since his arrival.
Éder Militão is finally approaching a return, but the Brazilian is still recovering from the muscular injury he suffered in April. Huijsen will also miss Real Madrid’s next match through suspension following his red card in the Madrid derby.
🔛 Cinquième entraînement de la semaine ! pic.twitter.com/ndyD0m99eD
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇫🇷 (@realmadridfra) October 2, 2026
For now, Mourinho will continue to rely on Antonio Rüdiger and the defenders available to him, but Real Madrid are already looking towards the future.
According to Bild, the Spanish giants are closely monitoring Bayer Leverkusen defender Jarell Quansah. The 23-year-old, under contract until 2030, has made six appearances this season, playing 333 minutes and providing one assist.
His athletic qualities, potential and versatility are highly appreciated in Madrid. Transfermarkt currently values him at around €45 million, although Liverpool reportedly hold a €70 million buy-back option valid until June 15, 2027.
Chelsea and Arsenal are also said to be interested. Real Madrid, however, are already preparing for the possibility of strengthening their defence either in the winter transfer window or during the summer of 2027.
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