Mourinho's 3 alternatives if Real Madrid does not sign Enzo Fernández

Portuguese has alternatives to improve the midfield in this transfer market in case the Argentine fails

Héctor Andreu | 1 Jul 2026 | 15.11
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Mourinho has alternatives to Enzo Fernández / Yahoo
Mourinho has alternatives to Enzo Fernández / Yahoo

Premier League
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Arsenal Coventry
21/08/26 21:00:00
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In recent weeks, the sporting direction of Real Madrid has been in full swing, and it seems that the Real Madrid transfer market is already taking off and starting to cover itself against a market that promises to be long, expensive, and with many fronts open in the midfield. Enzo Fernández remains the main target to reinforce the midfield, but Chelsea's asking price, around €140 million, forces the club to prepare alternative paths.

The sporting priority is clear. The Argentine is admired for his physicality, intensity, mobility, and quality in ball distribution, a profile that fits what José Mourinho is looking for to give the team more muscle and hierarchy. However, at Chamartín, they know that an operation of that size cannot depend solely on the player's will.

Real Madrid is now looking at Kees Smit, Mac Allister, and Adam Wharton

According to the information provided by Miguel Serrano, if the Enzo Fernández option does not progress, Real Madrid is considering three main alternatives: Kees Smit, Alexis Mac Allister, and Adam Wharton. The three present different profiles but are all on the agenda for their ability to improve the midfield.

The case of Kees Smit is more focused on the future. The 20-year-old Dutchman, who belongs to AZ Alkmaar, is under contract until 2028 and is already considered one of the most watched young midfielders in the European market. His market value is around €25 million, although his departure could require a significantly higher amount due to the competition around him.

Adam Wharton, on the other hand, represents a middle-ground option. The 22-year-old Englishman plays for Crystal Palace, with a contract until 2029 and a market value close to €70 million. He is left-footed, has a good reading of the game to receive between the lines, and offers room for growth, although he lacks the experience of other candidates.

Alexis Mac Allister, Mourinho's most mature option

Within that list, Alexis Mac Allister stands out as the most immediate alternative if the star signing does not materialize. The 27-year-old Argentine from Liverpool has experience competing at the highest level, has international prestige, and can play both as an attacking midfielder and in a deeper midfield position.

For José Mourinho, the profile of Alexis Mac Allister would have an obvious advantage: almost instant competitive adaptation. He wouldn't be a development gamble but a player ready to enter a squad obligated to win from day one. His contract with Liverpool runs until 2028, a detail that complicates any move but does not make it impossible.

The issue, as with almost all key players in the Premier League, lies in the price. Liverpool doesn't seem to need to sell cheaply, and any negotiation for Alexis Mac Allister would require a very high investment. However, in terms of sports, he is the player who best suits what Real Madrid needs if they seek immediate performance.

Alternatives to Enzo Fernández at Real Madrid

Enzo Fernández remains the favorite, but Chelsea is pressing

The operation for Enzo Fernández has become complicated for two main reasons. The first is Chelsea's stance, not willing to lower their demands and protecting a player with a contract until 2032. The second is the role the player may have in the new blue project, where he is still considered a key piece.

Enzo Fernández, 25, has a market value close to €90 million, but Chelsea's valuation is much higher. The gap between value, asking price, and the English club's actual need is what is currently hindering an operation that Real Madrid greatly admires but not at any cost.

Therefore, the list of alternatives is already active. Kees Smit offers youth and potential, Adam Wharton combines talent and room for improvement, while Alexis Mac Allister brings experience and immediate performance. Real Madrid wants Enzo Fernández but will not wait with arms crossed if Chelsea turns the negotiation into an impossible battle.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Las 3 alternativas de Mourinho por si el Real Madrid no ficha a Enzo Fernández