Real Madrid invested heavily during the summer transfer window as Jose Mourinho reshaped his squad for the 2026–27 campaign.
Yan Diomande became their marquee addition after arriving from RB Leipzig for an initial €125 million.
Marc Cucurella also joined from Chelsea for €55 million, while Carlos Espi and Denzel Dumfries strengthened Mourinho’s options further.
Additionally, Real Madrid signed Ibrahima Konate and Bernardo Silva on free transfers during an extensive overhaul at the Santiago Bernabeu.
However, midfield remained an area where Mourinho wanted further reinforcement before the transfer window closed.
Real Madrid spent weeks pursuing Rodri before the Spain international ultimately joined Barcelona in a €76.5 million deal.
Despite that disappointment, another high-profile midfielder had reportedly emerged as Mourinho’s preferred option for strengthening the position.
According to The Athletic, Enzo Fernandez was Mourinho’s preferred midfield target for Real Madrid during the summer transfer window.
The Argentina international instead completed a blockbuster move from Chelsea to Manchester City for £125 million on deadline day.
However, Real Madrid have denied that they were interested in signing Fernandez and previously issued a public statement distancing themselves from a transfer.
Fernandez’s move to City made him one of the most expensive players of the summer after another major transfer in his career.
Real Madrid ultimately decided against making another midfield signing before the deadline despite missing out on both Rodri and Fernandez.
Nevertheless, Mourinho’s existing squad has started the new season strongly, taking maximum points from their opening three La Liga matches.
Madrid began with a 2–1 away victory over Espanyol before recording a 4–1 home win against Real Sociedad.
They then defeated Malaga 4–0, with Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappe and Arda Guler among the scorers.
Bellingham has also developed a productive midfield partnership with Eduardo Camavinga during Madrid’s unbeaten opening run.
Real Madrid next face Real Betis before meeting Inter Milan in the Champions League.
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