After missing out on Rodri, who is now expected to join bitter rivals Barcelona, Real Madrid have made a major decision regarding the remainder of the summer transfer window.
For a large section of the Madrid fanbase, there can be few excuses if the team endures another difficult season. The club’s hierarchy has invested heavily this summer, providing José Mourinho with several high-profile additions and significantly reshaping the squad ahead of the new campaign.
The new signings have all been given opportunities during pre-season. Yan Diomandé, Ibrahima Konaté and Marc Cucurella made their first appearances for the club during Sunday’s convincing 3-0 friendly victory over Schalke 04, while Bernardo Silva has already made a strong impression since joining the Spanish giants.
Overall, the signs during pre-season have been encouraging. Several players look sharp, with Arda Güler among those attracting praise for his performances. Bernardo Silva has also quickly demonstrated the technical quality and experience expected of him.
However, despite those positive performances, some doubts remain among supporters, particularly regarding the depth of the squad in central defence and midfield. Until recently, many believed Madrid could still make one or two additional signings before the transfer window closes.
Real Madrid Will Not Sign Another Midfielder
According to Cadena SER, that scenario is now highly unlikely.
Real Madrid’s hierarchy reportedly have no plans to sign another midfielder this summer, despite failing to secure Rodri. The Spanish international had been one of the club’s major targets, but he is now expected to complete a move to Barcelona.
Several alternatives had been linked with Madrid in recent weeks, including Arsenal midfielder Martin Zubimendi and highly rated AZ Alkmaar youngster Kees Smit. Neither player, however, is currently being considered as an immediate option.
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 16, 2026
Most importantly, Real Madrid are not planning to recruit somebody simply to “replace” Rodri. The club appears prepared to start the season with the midfield options already available to Mourinho.
No New Centre-Back Expected Either
The situation appears similar in defence.
Real Madrid had previously considered signing another top-level centre-back, but that idea has also cooled considerably. Recent reports from The Athletic had already suggested that the club was moving away from adding another defender.
Madrid believe they already have enough alternatives in the position. Mourinho can rely on several natural centre-backs, while players such as Aurélien Tchouaméni are capable of dropping into defence when necessary.
Another important factor is Mourinho’s preference for working with a relatively compact squad. The Portuguese coach does not want an excessively large group, meaning further arrivals would probably depend on players leaving first.
At the moment, however, no major first-team departures appear imminent.
Unless the situation changes dramatically before the transfer deadline, Real Madrid’s summer spending therefore seems to be effectively over.
After investing significantly in players such as Konaté, Cucurella, Diomandé and Bernardo Silva, the club is ready to trust Mourinho and the squad already at his disposal.
Missing out on Rodri may have been a disappointment, particularly with the midfielder heading towards Barcelona, but Madrid have made their position clear: there will be no panic buying at the Santiago Bernabéu.
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