Real Madrid started a profound rebuilding of the squad for the upcoming season with José Mourinho at the helm. The Portuguese coach has identified the issues in the team and has requested the signing of a left-sided center-back who can provide offensive solidity as a left-back. Josko Gvardiol and Riccardo Calafiori, the names on the list.
With the goal of building an extremely tight and reliable unit, Mourinho has made the reconstruction of the defensive line an absolute priority, demanding solid alternatives to cope with a demanding fixture list.
Real Madrid's sporting management has embraced the guidelines set by the Setúbal-born coach, expediting the necessary procedures at Valdebebas to equip the squad with tactical tools capable of adapting to any top-level opponent.
José Mourinho requested specific defensive signings
José Mourinho's obsession revolves around crafting a containment structure with complementary and versatile resources, a hallmark in his coaching philosophy. For the right flank, the club has already secured the services of Dutchman Denzel Dumfries, an offensive-minded full-back who will share duties with Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose role originates from deeper positions to exploit his exceptional long-range passing ability.
The Portuguese strategist aims to replicate this same asymmetric formula on the left side of Madrid's defense, utilizing young Álvaro Carreras as the attacking threat and seeking a partner with pronounced defensive traits in this transfer window.

Gvardiol and Calafiori: Real Madrid's top priorities in the summer market
In this scouting scenario, Real Madrid's technical team has set their sights on two players who completely captivate the Portuguese coach: Josko Gvardiol and Riccardo Calafiori. Both defenders embody the ideal prototype for the new Real Madrid system, with their superb ability to play as left-sided center-backs or shift to defensive full-back and central midfielder roles as required by the game.
The white technical staff considers the signing of a top-level center-back to partner Antonio Rüdiger as a priority, strengthening a defensive core currently waiting for the return of Éder Militão and Ferland Mendy from injury, alongside the imminent arrival of Frenchman Ibrahima Konaté.
The introduction of the new tactical requirements will trigger a cascade effect that accelerates the departure of players from Valdebebas to streamline the squad. With assets like Raúl Asencio, Fran García, and Dean Huijsen among the current defensive lineup, the Madrid hierarchy acknowledges the need for strategic sales to alleviate wage burdens and trim the surplus in the squad.

The directive's objective is to fulfill the demands of their new coach without jeopardizing the institution's finances, understanding that future success hinges on the collective defensive strength displayed on the pitch.
Formal negotiations with Premier League and Serie A clubs will intensify in the coming summer weeks. Real Madrid's leadership is confident that the club's prestige and the allure of their new coach will serve as decisive factors in attracting the top talents in European football.
With José Mourinho in charge, Real Madrid is gearing up for significant signings to give purpose to the squad and compete for all major titles in the upcoming season.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Mourinho aprieta por un fichaje para el Real Madrid