Real Madrid News
Jose Mourinho tells Florentino Perez his top Real Madrid transfer priority is not a midfielder
Jose Mourinho has already begun visualising his Real Madrid plans, and the Portuguese manager appears to have made one message clear to the club’s hierarchy.
While midfield reinforcements remain on the agenda, Real Madrid’s transfer plans are now centred around strengthening the heart of the defence first.
According to Defensa Central, Mourinho has informed club president Florentino Perez that signing a central defender should take priority over bringing in a new midfielder.
On that note, the Real Madrid transfer news suggests the manager believes addressing the team’s defensive shortcomings is the most urgent task before the new season gets underway.
Mourinho defines his Real Madrid priority
Although Jose Mourinho’s Real Madrid transfer plans include additions in both midfield and defence, the experienced coach considers a centre-back to be the club’s biggest need.
The decision follows a campaign in which defensive inconsistency repeatedly cost Los Blancos.
Mourinho believes that building a title-winning side starts with a solid back line, making Real Madrid’s search for a centre-back his immediate priority.
Injuries have played a major role in that assessment, as both Eder Militao and Antonio Rudiger have struggled with recurring fitness problems in recent seasons, leaving Real Madrid short of reliable options during key moments of the campaign.
As a result, Mourinho wants greater competition and depth in central defence to avoid a repeat of those issues and ensure the squad can cope with a demanding schedule.
Florentino Perez ready to support Mourinho’s rebuild
It is noted that Real Madrid’s hierarchy is prepared to back their new manager as they look to avoid another disappointing campaign.
After two seasons that fell below expectations, the club believes Mourinho should receive the resources needed to build a squad capable of competing for every major trophy.
As a result, Florentino Perez is expected to support Mourinho’s requests, although further arrivals may depend on outgoing transfers first.
For now, among the names linked with Real Madrid’s centre-back targets are Alessandro Bastoni and Tomas Araujo.
However, there has been little progress on either pursuit, with the club first needing to reduce the size of the current squad before making another major signing.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid eye €40 millon-rated goalkeeper as potential Thibaut Courtois replacement
Real Madrid boast one of the best goalkeepers in world football in the form of Thibaut Courtois.
However, the Belgian is already 34 and his current contract at the club expires at the end of the season.
Although Real Madrid are keen on extending his contract, they are preparing for the possibility of life beyond the veteran goalkeeper as well.
Keeping that in mind, Real Madrid are already keeping tabs on the market and monitoring potential replacements, with Diogo Costa emerging as one of the options.
Real Madrid interested in Diogo Costa
As reported by Bernabeu Digital, Costa is among the goalkeepers Real Madrid are interested in, as they look for potential replacements for Courtois.
The Portuguese international is regarded highly and has been endorsed personally by the club’s new goalkeeping coach, Nuno Santos.
Jose Mourinho is also said to be playing a key role in driving the club’s interest in Costa, who currently plies his trade for FC Porto.
At age of just 26, Costa has established himself as the firm number one for the Portugal national team, having already won almost 50 caps.
€40 million for Costa?
Acquiring the services of Diogo Costa, though, won’t be a walk in the park for Real Madrid.
The Portuguese international is valued at around €40 million, which the club might see as steep.
But given the experience and the quality Costa offers, Real Madrid do indeed see him as the ideal candidate to replace Courtois, if necessary.
Given that he is also liked by Mourinho and Santos, there is no reason why Real Madrid will be against paying that premium for the goalkeeper, especially if Courtois ends up leaving the club.
Real Madrid, though, are also open to finding an in-house replacement for Courtois, with Javi Navarro, in particular, making a lot of waves in the lower divisions.
That being said, everything indicates Courtois will sign a new contract so there shouldn’t be any immediate need for a replacement.
