Real Madrid

Real Madrid’s right‑wing battle heats up as Olise decision looms

Mourinho must try to find a permanent solution to the right flank slot. He has a long list of candidates to choose from, with Olise as the ideal addition.

Ángel Colmenares

Álvaro de Miguel Andy Hall

Update: Jul 10th, 2026 15:09 EDT

Make us preferred on Google

Real Madrid’s right flank is up for grabs. The club’s dream scenario is clear: bring in Bayern Munich star Michael Olise and form a front line of Vinicius Jr., Kylian Mbappé, and Olise — an attacking trio built to dominate Europe.

On June 20, Real Madrid released a statement insisting they had “not held any direct or indirect contact with the player, his representatives, or anyone in his circle.” But the interest is real. And once Olise finishes his standout World Cup — six assists in six matches — he’ll meet with Bayern to decide his future, as previously reported by AS.

The post‑Bale era has lacked a true owner of the right flank

Olise’s arrival would end a years‑long debate inside the club. Since Gareth Bale left, no one has fully claimed the right wing. Madrid has improvised — sometimes brilliantly, like Fede Valverde’s assist in the 2022 Champions League final — but never found a permanent solution.

Real Madrid’s right‑wing battle heats up as Olise decision looms — Olise and Mbappé in a match with the French national team.JEWEL SAMAD

Despite strong relations between Madrid and Bayern, negotiations won’t be simple. That’s why new manager José Mourinho is preparing a Plan B in case the Olise deal stalls. And the list of internal candidates is long.

Homegrown options

Arda Güler

Güler is the best‑placed internal candidate. He played 51 matches last season, producing six goals and 12 assists. But his ideal role is as a central creator behind a striker. When pushed to the right wing, his impact drops noticeably.

Brahim Díaz

Brahim featured in 42 games, scoring twice and adding five assists. He’s become an elite super‑sub, but when given starts, he’s shown he can handle a bigger role. Still, he’s not a natural right‑sider.

Bernardo Silva

Madrid signed Bernardo Silva this summer — a player who owned Manchester City’s right flank for years. But Portugal coach Roberto Martínez has used him deeper in midfield during the World Cup after a rough opening match. Mourinho is expected to deploy him similarly at Madrid.

Endrick

One of Madrid’s “new signings” is actually a returning loanee. Endrick shone at Lyon with eight goals and eight assists in 16 matches. He’s expected to back up Mbappé, but his versatility — and his strong performances on the right in Ligue 1 — give him a real chance to compete for minutes.

And the two big unknowns are Mastantuono and Rodrygo.

Franco Mastantuono

The young Argentine’s first season was uneven. He started strong but faded after a pubalgia injury slowed him down. His talent is undeniable, but his role remains unclear.

Rodrygo

Rodrygo suffered a torn ACL and meniscus in early March. Madrid expects a full‑speed return to take roughly a year, meaning he’ll start the season at a disadvantage. His long‑term future on the right wing is now uncertain.

Mourinho’s dilemma

Mourinho has both a problem and an abundance of solutions. He must choose who owns the right flank while the club waits to see whether the complicated pursuit of Olise succeeds.

Right now, the deal looks unlikely — but Florentino Pérez remains fixated on the French winger.