Bastoni, Savinho, Nico Paz and other players who could help Mourinho change the club’s fortuness on the pitch
Real Madrid have gone two seasons without silverware. That is bad enough for a club of their status in La Liga but the turmoil that boiled inside the club during the season was enough evidence to fans and observers that drastic change was needed.
After a season that saw Xabi Alonso sacked midseason and replaced with Alvaro Arbeloa from Castilla, Vinicius Junior throwing a tantrum as he left the pitch in a clásico, Kylian Mbappe accused of causing Madrid’s trophy constipation with his move from Paris Saint-Germain to the Spanish capital, and Federico Valverde and Aurelien Tchouameni having a go at each other on the training ground, the close season then arrived with divisive club elections and news that Jose Mourinho is set for a second stint at the Bernabeu.
But without delving into those different topics, who should Mourinho sign in the summer window to address the club’s issues on the pitch?
Defence
Real Madrid’s biggest priority at the back is finding proactive players who can combine defensive aggression with quality in possession. With fitness concerns surrounding Eder Militao, Antonio Rudiger and Trent Alexander-Arnold, and with Dean Huijsen still developing, the squad is lacking in key defensive positions.
Madrid need a centre-back capable of defending high up the pitch, covering space behind midfielders and helping build attacks from deep. Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Borussia Dortmund’s Nico Schlotterbeck both fit that profile.
Bastoni has established himself as one of Europe’s most complete defenders, combining physical presence with exceptional distribution. He is comfortable stepping into midfield and progressing attacks himself, which would give Madrid an additional playmaker from the back as well as strengthen their defensive structure.
Schlotterbeck offers many of the same qualities. The Borussia Dortmund defender is among the game’s most progressive passers and thrives in teams that defend aggressively. His ability to play forward quickly and follow runners into midfield would suit a side looking to press with greater conviction.
Madrid already possess one of the game’s best passers in Trent Alexander-Arnold, but the Englishman is also frequently injured and the defensive side of his game can be lacking. Following Dani Carvajal’s retirement, Madrid need a reliable cover who can provide energy off the ball and defend intensely throughout a demanding season.
One option could be Dortmund’s Julian Ryerson, a full-back who presses aggressively, covers large distances and also contributes regularly in attack. His work-rate would offer some tactical flexibility and allow Madrid to rotate without weakening the team.
A less expensive alternative could be Andrei Ratiu. The Rayo Vallecano defender has impressive work rate and has been linked with Madrid as a lower-cost signing who could rotate in and out of the team and allow Alexander-Arnold to be the main man.
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Midfield
Replacing the influence of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric has proved difficult for Madrid. The squad contains no shortage of athletic midfielders, with Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga, Valverde and Tchouameni all capable of covering ground and winning duels. What Madrid lack is a player who naturally controls possession and dictates the rhythm of matches.
Rodri remains the ideal solution. Few midfielders combine positional intelligence, defensive awareness and passing quality as effectively as the Manchester City player. Even with concerns surrounding his recovery from a serious knee injury, he represents the type of signing capable of transforming the structure of the team.
If Madrid look for a younger alternative, Angelo Stiller stands out. The Stuttgart midfielder has become one of Germany’s best deep-lying playmakers, constantly receiving the ball under pressure and moving attacks forward. His composure and passing range make him a natural candidate to help fill the creative void left by Kroos in defensive midfield.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Aleix Garcia would offer similar qualities. His ability to dictate possession, switch play and unlock compact defences has made him one of Spain’s most accomplished midfield distributors. He would add control without a drop in intensity.
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Attack
Madrid have an excellent goalscorer in Mbappe but the drop in performance from other forwards such as Vinicius since he arrived has shown that there is a lot of imbalance in that forward line.
A lot of pundits have suggested that one of the players needs to leave and if anyone does, it is likely to be Vinicius. But for now, it is safe to assume that Madrid would rather keep them. However, both players are right-footed attackers who drift towards the left side, regularly leaving Madrid with a left-wing bias.
Franco Mastantuono has been underwhelming on the right and Rodrygo Goes has been injured, so Madrid a new attacker on the right wing, but preferably a left-footed player who can provide balance to the right-footed forward on the left side.
Manchester City’s Savinho is a man who could play that role. Having impressed at Girona before joining Pep Guardiola in England, a switch to Madrid could be just what the Spanish club need. His flair and pace on the right wing could unlock both Mbappe and Vinicius by providing more play on the right and giving the France forward fewer reasons to drift left and stumble over Vinicius.
Another possibility is Como’s Nico Paz, a Madrid youth player who has quickly become one of the best and most exciting young players in the world. Under Mourinho, the Argentinian could be coached to become a much stronger and sharper right winger, given he currently has the tendency to drift into attacking midfield and play centrally.
