The 3 players who should leave Real Madrid in January
These players are far from counting for Mourinho, and their future is looking increasingly distant from Santiago Bernabéu.
José Mourinho is preparing changes in the squad for the transfer market of Real Madrid as soon as it opens in January 2027. The Portuguese coach has Ferland Mendy, Raúl Asencio, and Thiago Pitarch among the players whose continuity could be reassessed due to a lack of minutes and the existing competition in their respective positions.
The three players are in different situations. While Mendy and Asencio continue to recover from their injuries, Pitarch has barely been given opportunities in midfield. The club will need to evaluate possible loans or transfers when the market opens.
Raúl Asencio giving his shirt to a fan 😍🤍 Details that make a difference @RaulAsencio7 🤍 https://t.co/xMCIcHn2YG
— (fan) Real Madrid Fans 🤍 (@Madridismoreal) January 16, 2025
José Mourinho might do without Ferland Mendy and Raúl Asencio
The case of Ferland Mendy is one of the more complicated. The French full-back, at 31 years, has yet to debut this season after undergoing surgery on the rectus femoris of his right leg last May.
In addition to his physical situation, Mendy is behind Álvaro Carreras and Marc Cucurella, two players who have gained prominence in José Mourinho's plans. The Frenchman was also not registered to play in the first phase of the Champions League. Four players whose Mourinho has changed the future at Real Madrid.
His contract until June 2028 is another significant factor. Real Madrid would have to find a destination willing to take on his financial conditions if they ultimately decide to negotiate his exit during the coming January.
The situation of Raúl Asencio also deserves attention. The Spanish center-back, at 23 years, underwent surgery on October 1 for a stress fracture in his right tibia and has yet to play any minutes this season.
His recovery could be completed in early 2027, coinciding with the opening of the market. However, he will have to compete with Antonio Rüdiger, Dean Huijsen, Éder Militão, and Ibrahima Konaté for playing opportunities.
This accumulation of center-backs complicates his return to the rotation. Although he has a contract until 2031, a departure would allow the player to seek continuity after several months away from the pitch.
Thiago Pitarch, another possible exit from Real Madrid
The third name that appears in the market plans is Thiago Pitarch. The midfielder, at 19 years, has not managed to carve out a spot in José Mourinho's starting line-ups during the early months of the competition.
The competition in midfield is considerable. Jude Bellingham, Federico Valverde, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Arda Güler, and Bernardo Silva are among the alternatives the Portuguese coach is considering.
A loan is his best option
Given this scenario, a loan during the second half of the season could help Pitarch regain minutes. The priority would be to find a team where he could compete regularly without losing his connection to the Madrid club.
Unlike Mendy and Asencio, whose exit could be examined through different options, the goal with the midfielder would be to facilitate his sporting development. The player remains a future prospect from the academy.
The coming weeks will be important to define these situations. José Mourinho will need to assess the recovery of Ferland Mendy and Raúl Asencio, in addition to deciding whether to grant opportunities to Thiago Pitarch before January. If neither of them gains prominence, the club will have reasons to consider their departures during the winter market.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los 3 jugadores que deberían irse del Real Madrid en enero