Rebuilding Madrid, One Pass at a Time - The Transfers, Rumors & Lies Thread

REALFOREVER · May 18, 2026

pramod said: ↑

with this logic we would be 0.5 win the league by coming second in the table—Militao is completely out, and Rudiger is done at 34
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I don't think Rudiger is a 0.5 CB now like Militao, he just cannot be listed as one of our top 2 CBs.

REALFOREVER · May 18, 2026

CB Situation/Depth is something like this if we assume 1 CB Signing.

1 - New Signing
2 - Rudiger
3 - Huijson
4 - Asencio
5 - Militao

If you sign an additional CB, it probably means Asencio is gone unless they want to carry 6 CBs. Or we could just call it 5 and not count Militao even if he is techincally on the roster.

They need a bonafide starting CB as their primary signing. Rudiger is probably not around in another year, so you will be back in the market next summer again.

natenate101 · May 18, 2026

I’d sell Brahim as well and bring in Munoz. A hard working wing player is something we need with Rodrygo out for a long time. We have Arda, Jude, and Paz for AM type creative stuff and Endrick as well.

Assuming neither leave, this would be our attack:
Mbappe
Vini
Endrick
Munoz
Paz
Striker/winger

I’d prefer we’d had let Endrick stay on loan another year and bring in a vet for a year or so, but looks like that ship has sailed.

Bear Crotch · May 18, 2026

natenate101 said: ↑

I’d sell Brahim as well and bring in Munoz. A hard working wing player is something we need with Rodrygo out for a long time. We have Arda, Jude, and Paz for AM type creative stuff and Endrick as well.

Assuming neither leave, this would be our attack:
Mbappe
Vini
Endrick
Munoz
Paz
Striker/winger

I’d prefer we’d had let Endrick stay on loan another year and bring in a vet for a year or so, but looks like that ship has sailed.
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If we bring in Munoz I'd be okay with Brahim leaving. Munoz will be very useful as a back up.

natenate101 · May 18, 2026

Bear Crotch said: ↑

If we bring in Munoz I'd be okay with Brahim leaving. Munoz will be very useful as a back up.
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Munoz makes sense as a Lucas Vasquez/Callejon type hustle player who crossed and works his ass off. We can use that style of player.

Akramzizou · May 18, 2026

I think Paz would be Brahims replacement/upgrade, Brahim hasn't really played on the wing for a while. Munoz fills a gap, we haven't had that type of player for a long time.

boeder · May 18, 2026

Aside from contract expiries, I think most of the players will not want to leave and/or they are on high wages that will make them near impossible to move.

Saeta Rubia · May 18, 2026

Lyra said: ↑

Positions Real Madrid are considering to make transfers this summer:

• TWO center backs
• RIGHT BACK
• MIDFIELDER
• STRIKER

@JorgeCPicon

🚨 JUST IN: Antonio Rüdiger wanted to renew for TWO years with Real Madrid, but he has ACCEPTED the club’s 1 year policy.

He is set to STAY. @jfelixdiaz pic.twitter.com/ydwhF2Hu3z
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 18, 2026

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I think Mou wouldn't count on Asencio. If he's forced out, there's 2 CB slots open with Alaba's contract expiring.

boeder · May 18, 2026

Saeta Rubia said: ↑

I think Mou wouldn't count on Asencio. If he's forced out, there's 2 CB slots open with Alaba's contract expiring.
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If Junior is renewed, there goes Alaba's wage bill. A slot will be available but not for a marquee signing: whatever Canterano that can be brought back for pocket change.

Asencio wages are pretty high for a defender of his calibre (€3m net), that's only €125k shy of freaking Schlotterbeck.

Saeta Rubia · May 18, 2026

boeder said: ↑

If Junior is renewed, there goes Alaba's wage bill. A slot will be available but not for a marquee signing: whatever Canterano that can be brought back for pocket change.

Asencio wages are pretty high for a defender of his calibre (€3m net), that's only €125k shy of freaking Schlotterbeck.
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They can get away with such BS only under Carlo when team was winning titles. Not after two trophyless seasons. Even Xabi got Huijsen and Carreras for defense.

Schlotterbeck is great on the ball while stronger and more aggressive defensively than Huijsen. Could see him starting for Mou with Huijsen as back up. Ideally need another CB who's fast as starter with Rudiger as back up.

If only one CB is signed, Rudiger and that CB could be starters with Huijsen having more of Varane 3rd CB role.

Nathanial Essex · May 18, 2026

MiamiNative0722 said: ↑

I know there are weaknesses up and down the roster. All lines whether its the back line, midfield, or attack, could use some changes.

But genuinely, I think the squad can be profoundly changed with 1-2 specific profile signings. And i'm not even talking about something as unlikely as selling Vini and bringing in Haaland.

I know I'm in the minority for him, but signing a midfield profile like Adam Wharton I think could fundamentally alter so much of our play. From solidity at the top of our box, our build up with the ball, to chance creation at the attacking end. I don't see many links for him any more, but I really think a player like that could boost so many results for us. Maybe not make us CL favorites again, but certainly change our day to day in the league.

I desperately want to know who we are willing to sign in midfield.
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Nah. Bellingham is an exception but generally speaking I'm against signing English players, especially young ones. Give a year or two and they'll be home sick looking to move back.

Or just end up not be as good as people thought.

Zidane05 · May 18, 2026

MiamiNative0722 said: ↑

I know there are weaknesses up and down the roster. All lines whether its the back line, midfield, or attack, could use some changes.

But genuinely, I think the squad can be profoundly changed with 1-2 specific profile signings. And i'm not even talking about something as unlikely as selling Vini and bringing in Haaland.

I know I'm in the minority for him, but signing a midfield profile like Adam Wharton I think could fundamentally alter so much of our play. From solidity at the top of our box, our build up with the ball, to chance creation at the attacking end. I don't see many links for him any more, but I really think a player like that could boost so many results for us. Maybe not make us CL favorites again, but certainly change our day to day in the league.

I desperately want to know who we are willing to sign in midfield.
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I think the subtraction will be much more impactful than any addition. Mbappe and Vini can’t play together, that we know. They are also the main figures in the locker room divide. Both have been wrong at many levels. We can’t tolerate this crap.

I also feel Vinicius is trying to run down his contract. We have to make it simple. If you don’t renew by July 1 you will be sold or you’re at the mercy of the coach. Same with the midfield. You need to legitimately shake the make up of it. Selling Camavinga isn’t doing anything, he hasn’t added any value or been someone we counted on. One of Tchouameni or Fede needs to leave.

4x4s · May 19, 2026

Huijsen will arguably benefit the most from Mourinho. Mou knows him from his time and Roma and thought the world of him. He's the player you have to feel the most optimistic about if you make that move.

Mourinho has a lot of shortcomings but the ability to communicate fundamental skills in simple terms is a skill that a lot of modern coaches ignore.

He helped Marcelo right away, I think several players will take a step forward, as large or small as it may be. Others will take a step back.

Akramzizou · May 19, 2026

4x4s said: ↑

Huijsen will arguably benefit the most from Mourinho. Mou knows him from his time and Roma and thought the world of him. He's the player you have to feel the most optimistic about if you make that move.

Mourinho has a lot of shortcomings but the ability to communicate fundamental skills in simple terms is a skill that a lot of modern coaches ignore.

He helped Marcelo right away, I think several players will take a step forward, as large or small as it may be. Others will take a step back.
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Ramos too, he finally made the move to CB under Jose.

natenate101 · May 19, 2026

4x4s said: ↑

Huijsen will arguably benefit the most from Mourinho. Mou knows him from his time and Roma and thought the world of him. He's the player you have to feel the most optimistic about if you make that move.

Mourinho has a lot of shortcomings but the ability to communicate fundamental skills in simple terms is a skill that a lot of modern coaches ignore.

He helped Marcelo right away, I think several players will take a step forward, as large or small as it may be. Others will take a step back.
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Carreras is the one I feel could benefit the most. Cama too.

Saeta Rubia · May 19, 2026

Time will tell. Mou always preferred defensively strong CBs at top clubs. Huijsen will be important, but I feel Rudiger and new CB will be starters if latter has the edge defensively.

Saeta Rubia · May 19, 2026

Journo is from OK Diario so probably BS. Zone/Xtra never used to report OK Diario news. Dunno if it's desperation or if this journo isn't low tier.

🚨 BREAKING: José Mourinho wants ALESSANDRO BASTONI as a CB signing at Real Madrid this summer.

He's Mourinho's FAVORITE option for CB. @latigoserrano pic.twitter.com/nx0L6WzC20
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 18, 2026

🚨 Alessandro Bastoni-Barcelona deal, currently blocked and not advancing so far.

There’s substantial gap in valuation with Inter and also Barça focused on priority targets upfront.

🎥🇮🇹 https://t.co/irWI19Cibl pic.twitter.com/EKTG9FY9pQ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) May 17, 2026

4x4s · May 19, 2026

Bastoni is a player Carlo suggested to the club before, maybe they will go back to that at some point.

Zidane05 · May 19, 2026

4x4s said: ↑

Bastoni is a player Carlo suggested to the club before, maybe they will go back to that at some point.
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Would pass. Overhyped, will be super expensive.

REALFOREVER · May 19, 2026

I feel like Nate should be giving us a rundown of the players he thinks would be Madrid quality in the Portuguese League. Because I have little doubt that Mourinho must be well aware of all the players now in that league. Not just the Benfica players. I think there has been too much focus on just the Benfica players.

Zidane05 · May 19, 2026

REALFOREVER said: ↑

I feel like Nate should be giving us a rundown of the players he thinks would be Madrid quality in the Portuguese League. Because I have little doubt that Mourinho must be well aware of all the players now in that league. Not just the Benfica players. I think there has been too much focus on just the Benfica players.
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Wrong way to look at it. You need to look at players that are clients of Jorge Mendes

fierro · May 19, 2026

REALFOREVER said: ↑

I feel like Nate should be giving us a rundown of the players he thinks would be Madrid quality in the Portuguese League. Because I have little doubt that Mourinho must be well aware of all the players now in that league. Not just the Benfica players. I think there has been too much focus on just the Benfica players.
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Zidane05 said: ↑

Wrong way to look at it. You need to look at players that are clients of Jorge Mendes
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I feel like players in the Portugal are for the most part not going to be at the level of Real Madrid and La Liga, so hopefully there will be no strong push to load up on "talent" from their league.

madridismo · May 19, 2026

madridismo said: ↑

Changed my mind. We're getting Mourinho guys buckle up
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Don't wanna speak to soon, but called it

natenate101 · May 19, 2026

REALFOREVER said: ↑

I feel like Nate should be giving us a rundown of the players he thinks would be Madrid quality in the Portuguese League. Because I have little doubt that Mourinho must be well aware of all the players now in that league. Not just the Benfica players. I think there has been too much focus on just the Benfica players.
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I can tell you that Hjulmand (not better than Tchou) and Trincao (still too flaky but really good for Sporting) are the only Sporting players even close to the level of Madrid. Diomande is a promising CB but really hasn’t taken the huge leap yet and would need a stepping stone move to see if he can be elite. Other than that, haven’t watched enough of the Liga this year (don’t want to pay for another service) to comment on other players.

libertao · May 19, 2026

madridismo said: ↑

Don't wanna speak to soon, but called it
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Sorry buddy, but "calling it" in April won't win you much accolades here -- people have been predicting it since the January loss to Benfica or earlier.