Madrid on alert over transfer policy

Let players leave before bringing others in. Especially right now at Chamartín, where the squad is overcrowded. Departures have become a priority out of necessity rather than choice, meaning there must be exits before any further signings arrive. That is the next stage of the summer, although it could take time.

Several players already have one foot out the door, but Mourinho wants to assess them in person before making a final decision. As a result, most business is unlikely to move forward until at least 13 July. Even so, the club is already listening to offers and holding meetings. That process has begun. For now, the market is focused on trimming the squad rather than strengthening it.

The situation is still far from last summer’s Chelsea, whose squad list reached around 40 players, but it is beginning to take on a sense of urgency. Mourinho currently has 27 players at his disposal, including Dumfries. That number would rise to 28 if Thiago arrives. As things stand, one further signing would have to be registered with Castilla, as happened with Mastantuono, while another would fill the final place in the 25-man senior squad. The available squad numbers are currently 2, 4, 9, which is expected to revert to Endrick, and 25. The situation is unsustainable. Players have to leave, and several names are already on the table.

Real Madrid’s current squad

*Bold: players whose short-term futures are uncertain

Nine dossiers. Vinicius could eventually become the ninth, although his situation is expected to take much longer to resolve. As of today, he is not considered part of the current exit plan. This is the rundown, from back to front.

In defence, two names stand out: Asencio and Fran García. Madrid is listening to offers for both. There are already four centre-backs in the squad, Militao, Konaté, Huijsen and Rüdiger, while work continues on signing a fifth. That would directly affect Raúl, who simply would not have a place. Regular minutes would become almost impossible. Represented by Jorge Mendes, he is well aware of the situation. The same applies to Fran García, who has already attracted enquiries from several clubs, including Betis and Bournemouth. Carreras is untouchable, making Fran’s departure increasingly likely now that Cucurella has arrived.

In midfield, there are three more cases: Tchouameni, Camavinga and Ceballos. Each represents a different type of operation. The first two would only leave if they generated significant income, while Ceballos’ departure is primarily about reducing the size of the squad.

Aurélien’s situation is particularly noteworthy. As previously reported, Madrid is exploring the possibility of a major sale this summer. If it happens, it will come from midfield. It will not be Valverde, who remains untouchable and is expected to wear the captain’s armband this season. But the club is listening to offers for Tchouameni, even if he would only leave for a substantial fee.

Camavinga’s situation is rather different. Madrid is open to selling him, but never at any price. The club is prepared to listen to proposals and, if the right offer arrives, would seriously consider it. The question is where that figure lies. If the fee is high enough, it could become the major sale the club is looking for and remove any need to cash in on Tchouameni. If not, the two operations would remain entirely separate.

The same applies to Ceballos, although for different reasons. Madrid is actively looking to move him on without expecting a major transfer fee. At the player’s request, the club even placed the free-agency document on the table. But Ceballos has since applied the brakes, leaving everything at a standstill. Mourinho does not count on him, and the player knows it.

Further forward, there are three more names: Mastantuono, Brahim and Gonzalo.

Mastantuono’s is a relatively straightforward case. A loan is under consideration, but never a permanent transfer. The club still believes in his long-term potential. The doubts concern only his immediate impact, and a season elsewhere could prove decisive for his development.

With Brahim, the picture is equally clear. He wants to stay and has made that perfectly clear. Only an offer too good to refuse would change that. Madrid does not consider him untouchable, but all indications point towards him remaining at Chamartín next season.

Gonzalo’s case is more intriguing. He had been expected to leave, but Mourinho has put those plans on hold because he wants to evaluate him personally before making a final decision. That has introduced fresh uncertainty into what had appeared to be one of the clearest departures of the summer.

Only a few weeks ago, everyone at Valdebebas expected Gonzalo to move on. The player knew opportunities would be limited, while the club was preparing to listen to offers. Negotiations had already begun. Como had already made their approach. With Mbappé in the squad and Endrick returning, his path to regular minutes remains extremely narrow. Staying is still unlikely, but time could yet change the picture. For now, Madrid is listening to offers, but there will be no farewell until Mourinho has watched him up close.

Asencio, Fran García, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Ceballos, Mastantuono, Brahim and Gonzalo are currently the main names on the table. They are the players for whom Madrid is genuinely listening to offers, making them the club’s immediate priority.

Because another centre-back and another midfielder are still expected to arrive. But first, departures. With 27 players, or 28 if Thiago joins, the squad is overcrowded to the point that it has become a genuine problem. The exit operation has begun. Not by choice. By necessity.

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