With José Mourinho’s blockbuster return to the Santiago Bernabéu practically a done deal, the blueprint for the 2026/27 season has officially been drawn up. Real Madrid is preparing for a massive, aggressive squad overhaul this summer to restore order at Valdebebas and close the gap on newly crowned champions Barcelona.
According to a definitive report from Jorge Picón, the club has identified four priority positions to reinforce. However, Picón adds a massive caveat: Los Blancos will only be able to bring in these new profiles if they can successfully execute a major clear-out of unwanted stars.
The Target List: Rebuilding from the Back
Real Madrid is looking at five specific player profiles across four core areas, with an overwhelming focus on stabilizing a fractured, injury-plagued defensive block.
1. Central Defense (The Maximum Priority)
- The Plan: Real Madrid wants to sign two new center-backs this summer.
- The Reason: With David Alaba leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season, and the backline suffering from a severe lack of depth and consistency all year, Mourinho has demanded a completely refreshed heart of the defense.
2. Right-Back
- The Plan: Secure a high-caliber right-back to compete with Trent Alexander-Arnold.
- The Reason: Today’s emotional announcement confirming Dani Carvajal’s departure after 13 years leaves a massive leadership and tactical void on the right flank that must be filled immediately.
3. Midfield
- The Plan: Inject more control, balance, and tactical discipline into the engine room.
- The Reason: Midfield stability is suddenly a pressing issue. Dani Ceballos is actively on his way out, and Eduardo Camavinga’s future has become deeply uncertain following reports of a Premier League push after his World Cup squad omission.
4. Center-Forward
- The Plan: A new striker is being studied, though it is currently considered the lowest priority.
- The Reason: With Kylian Mbappé and Vinícius Jr. leading the line, the attack isn’t the problem. However, the club is keeping tabs on a secondary option, though they may choose to keep ultimate faith in Endrick if academy graduate Gonzalo García secures a loan move.
The Catch: Departures Dictate Arrival Funds
Florentino Pérez and the board have a clear strategy, but Picón emphasizes that Madrid will not sign all five targeted profiles unless they generate sufficient revenue and wage space through player sales.
| Expected/Potential Exit | Current Status | Transfer Impact |
| Dani Carvajal | Confirmed Departure | Opens up right-back slot & wage room |
| David Alaba | Free Agent (Leaving) | Clears massive space on the wage bill |
| Dani Ceballos | Up for Sale | Expected to bring in a modest transfer fee |
| Eduardo Camavinga | Target for Man United / Liverpool | Could generate a massive £50m+ (€60m) windfall |
| Raúl Asencio | Up for Sale / Loan | Clears squad space for incoming center-backs |
RMxtra Verdict: Mourinho’s Clean Slate
The message coming out of the club is clear: the era of player complacency is over. By identifying five specific signings but tying them strictly to departures, Florentino Pérez is giving Mourinho the perfect tool to weed out the toxic ego culture.
If players like Camavinga or Ceballos are unhappy with the incoming strict disciplinary code, the club is more than happy to cash in on them to fund the defensive wall Mourinho requires. This weekend’s finale against Athletic Bilbao won’t just be Carvajal’s farewell—it will likely be the final match in a Real Madrid shirt for several members of this squad.