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

boeder · May 21, 2026

arcane said: ↑

Isn't Silva too old?
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His ACL is more of a concern imo..that said considering the other options are either unrealistic and non-viable, Rodri is not at all a bad choice. Plus maturity and leadership at the club would be more than welcome..

We need an established midfielder to come in and start from the get-go hence he should have the experience and credentials to sit Bellingham/Fede or Tchouameni without getting his head open in the dressing room.

Rodri or Bernardo fit the bill. I also like Rodri for other reasons

Vitinha ain't happening.

Kees Smit is too raw and more of a "project" that could go either way and we have plenty of those in the squad already, from my limited watching, he plays further up the pitch than what's ideal for us; he occupies a lot of the spaces that Guler and/or Paz will work in..I also think his price tag (€50m+) is silly.

I watched Stiller vs Porto in the EL R16 and damn he was manhandled and had an extremely difficult time especially in the 2nd leg. He'll also go for €50-60m. @4x4s might have more insights.

natenate101 · May 21, 2026

REALFOREVER said: ↑

I have severe doubts that he can play CM going forward and the stats don't really say he had a good season. Modric easily outplayed him this year.
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Agreed here, I don’t see why would add him unless Brahim was leaving and we needed some options for the RW/AM. I wouldn’t count on him for a CM role. City holds possession much better than we do, so they could get away with playing him there. I don’t see Jose wanting such a slight player at that spot.

Saeta Rubia · May 21, 2026

Marca couple of days ago said there's mutual interest between RM and Rodri now. Guess we could end up signing one among Rodri and Bernardo.

2 starting quality midfield signings unlikely unless there's a major sale there.

Saeta Rubia · May 21, 2026

FWIW. Could it be a clue similar to Mbappe liking Mou related post few weeks back?

🚨 JUST IN: Alessandro Bastoni LIKED @FabrizioRomano's post about José Mourinho joining Real Madrid. 👀 pic.twitter.com/XjEGLF8iJP
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 20, 2026

Saeta Rubia · May 21, 2026

🚨 BREAKING: José Mourinho’s arrival will bring a COMPLETE OVERHAUL at the club:

• Medical staff will be CHANGED.
• ADJUSTMENTS to the sporting structure.
• SEVERAL signings and exits. @Rodra10_97 @espn pic.twitter.com/7ttJ6neTzU
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 20, 2026

🚨 CONFIRMED: Jose Mourinho wants more defensive signings.

Real Madrid are already looking at CBs and a back-up RB. @Rodra10_97 pic.twitter.com/JLXzqOeCh6
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 20, 2026

🚨 NEW: If Real Madrid make a move for Rodri, it will be for a normal fee and NOT crazy money, because Rodri only has 1 year left on his contract. @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/fr6AyJeBOF
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 21, 2026

🚨 CONFIRMED: Rodri DEFINITELY wants to go to Real Madrid someday, and the door is OPEN to him.

However, it depends on what Real Madrid prefer. The club do NOT want to spend crazy money on him. @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/NLaKHZmU72
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 21, 2026

Akramzizou · May 21, 2026

REALFOREVER said: ↑

I have severe doubts that he can play CM going forward and the stats don't really say he had a good season. Modric easily outplayed him this year.
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He is a hardworking CM, moves well, has pausa on the ball, excellent technique and ball retention, reads the game well and has good creativity and passing range. A lot of skills that we are missing right now, most of our forwards and midfielders are better without the ball than on the ball. Arda is arguably the only player similar to him, but isn't as effective with the press. He is also very reliable, since joining City has been a regular starter and hasn't had much injury trouble. For free, it would be wild to not go for him, can easily elevate our midfield and add a missing skill set.

Akramzizou · May 21, 2026

REALFOREVER said: ↑

Silva doesn't really make sense to me. I feel like he is a shadow of his former self. Modric was easily better than him this past season.

Where would he even play? He can't play in a double pivot and we got Bellingham/Guler/Paz fighting for minutes in the 10 spot assuming Mourinho is plaing 4-2-3-1.
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If I was constructing this team, I would play Silva as an 8, Rodri as a 6 and Tchouameni as a 5. I like Nico and I think he is worthy of a spot here, but his competition is actually Jude, he is a very similar left footed version of him. Unless one of Jude or Nico can play false 9, I dont get how we would expect both on the same team.

Another plus for Silva is he can naturally play as a true RW, something we have been missing in this team for a very long time.

4x4s · May 21, 2026

boeder said: ↑

I watched Stiller vs Porto in the EL R16 and damn he was manhandled and had an extremely difficult time especially in the 2nd leg. He'll also go for €50-60m. @4x4s might have more insights.
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I think he's still a project, has ups and downs like any other player, both in performance and in finding his confidence and voice. Signing him last summer and hitting him with the "new Kroos" magic stick that was being waved would've crushed him.

4x4s · May 21, 2026

Saeta Rubia said: ↑

🚨 BREAKING: José Mourinho’s arrival will bring a COMPLETE OVERHAUL at the club:

• Medical staff will be CHANGED.
• ADJUSTMENTS to the sporting structure.
• SEVERAL signings and exits. @Rodra10_97 @espn pic.twitter.com/7ttJ6neTzU
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 20, 2026

🚨 CONFIRMED: Jose Mourinho wants more defensive signings.

Real Madrid are already looking at CBs and a back-up RB. @Rodra10_97 pic.twitter.com/JLXzqOeCh6
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 20, 2026

🚨 NEW: If Real Madrid make a move for Rodri, it will be for a normal fee and NOT crazy money, because Rodri only has 1 year left on his contract. @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/fr6AyJeBOF
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 21, 2026

🚨 CONFIRMED: Rodri DEFINITELY wants to go to Real Madrid someday, and the door is OPEN to him.

However, it depends on what Real Madrid prefer. The club do NOT want to spend crazy money on him. @FabrizioRomano pic.twitter.com/NLaKHZmU72
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 21, 2026

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Rodri ticks every single box:

Spanish, quiets down the noise that the club has forgotten it's identity.
Experienced, people are sick of the divas and the immaturity. Brings captain pedigree.
Mourinho probably adores the player. New coach cosigning the big name signing is stepping with the right foot.
Obviously a top top player.

The downsides we've discussed plenty but this makes too much sense to not happen.

boeder · May 21, 2026

Personally I prefer Bernardo over Rodri, only just..but Rodri was a beast before his ACL, Spanish and an actual Ballon D'Or winner..ticks all the boxes like 4x4 said

Saeta Rubia · May 21, 2026

Romano said Mou likes Endrick. Meanwhile Paz' RM future still up in the air according to him.

According to a report from Fabrizio Romano on his YouTube channel, Nico Paz is still waiting out his future with Real Madrid.

Romano reports that Paz wants to hear out what Mourinho plans are for him in terms of his role and his importance, and Real Madrid will reportedly give Mou a big say in what happens to Paz's future this summer.

Galadrius · May 21, 2026

Rodri, Dalot, Schlotterbeck or Bastoni are big upgrades for us.I would love for us to sell Vini and try to get Osimhen or Haaland...
That would be a really good transfer window.Experience, leaders and workerd on the field.Hungry for trophies...

4x4s · May 21, 2026

Rodri has made Guardiola basically speak about the transfer in a way that made sense. Feel like this should be in the bag unless something happens between now and the transfer window.

Schlotterbeck'extention is basically laid out in a way that it speeds up a transfer process if that would go ahead.

Saeta Rubia · May 21, 2026

🚨 JUST IN: Rodri is Real Madrid’s PREFERRED OPTION for the midfield.

However, the club have NOT contacted him yet. @La_SER pic.twitter.com/3LjBJF0o13
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 21, 2026

🚨 CONFIRMED: Rodri is a REAL POSSIBILITY this summer.

His future at Manchester City without Pep Guardiola is HIGHLY uncertain. @La_SER pic.twitter.com/tEoGvkgyq7
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 21, 2026

🚨 BREAKING: At Valdebebas they believe that this summer the club needs signings who can provide an IMMEDIATE IMPACT, and not just future prospects. @La_SER pic.twitter.com/5dp3sUN3oP
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) May 21, 2026

arcane · May 21, 2026

I don't really see Paz having much of an impact specially if Rodri comes.

At this level, I think Arda is ahead of him by a bit.

Saeta Rubia · May 21, 2026

arcane said: ↑

I don't really see Paz having much of an impact specially if Rodri comes.

At this level, I think Arda is ahead of him by a bit.
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Arda has the advantage of being part of RM squad for 3 seasons. Paz' trajectory is similar to Odegaard and Hakimi in that sense.

arcane · May 21, 2026

Saeta Rubia said: ↑

Arda has the advantage of being part of RM squad for 3 seasons. Paz' trajectory is similar to Odegaard and Hakimi in that sense.
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Thats the point. We usually overrate our players doing well outside while underestimating the actual level and roles required for the 1st team.

natenate101 · May 21, 2026

I think you guys actually underestimate the success and level Paz found at Como. He was pretty phenomenal and has helped get them to challenging for a CL spot. Really was at the center of most good things that they created. Always looking forward when on the ball and not afraid to shoot when given even little space to do so. I saw so many shots of his narrowly miss or take a strong save to keep out.

Guler is a better passer but Paz isn’t a slouch. Paz easily the better scoring threat because he has a better shot and is willing to quickly pull the trigger.

12 G, 6 A for Paz this season
4 G, 9 A for Guler this season

Both great young players, not really the same style though they’ll be compared as such because of the playing time battle.

I don’t see how Rodri affects Paz really. If you’d watched Como you’d know he has moved up the pitch as the season went on, mostly playing as a RCM, AM, and SS/False 9. This is likely because of ability to score and put shots on frame, while also laying off through balls or lofted passes over the CBs.

The other thing is he was doing this against Serie A competition, and never looked overawed or out of place even against the big clubs like Inter and Juve. If anything his name was being called out all the time for making stuff happen.

I watched him a lot and I truly was impressed at the impact he had. You’d have to see some of the poor finishing from some of his passes and some of the saves made on his shots and see his numbers could’ve been even better. Guy is talented and has come on leaps and bounds.

Doni · May 21, 2026

natenate101 said: ↑

I think you guys actually underestimate the success and level Paz found at Como. He was pretty phenomenal and has helped get them to challenging for a CL spot. Really was at the center of most good things that they created. Always looking forward when on the ball and not afraid to shoot when given even little space to do so. I saw so many shots of his narrowly miss or take a strong save to keep out.

Guler is a better passer but Paz isn’t a slouch. Paz easily the better scoring threat because he has a better shot and is willing to quickly pull the trigger.

12 G, 6 A for Paz this season
4 G, 9 A for Guler this season

Both great young players, not really the same style though they’ll be compared as such because of the playing time battle.

I don’t see how Rodri affects Paz really. If you’d watched Como you’d know he has moved up the pitch as the season went on, mostly playing as a RCM, AM, and SS/False 9. This is likely because of ability to score and put shots on frame, while also laying off through balls or lofted passes over the CBs.

The other thing is he was doing this against Serie A competition, and never looked overawed or out of place even against the big clubs like Inter and Juve. If anything his name was being called out all the time for making stuff happen.

I watched him a lot and I truly was impressed at the impact he had. You’d have to see some of the poor finishing from some of his passes and some of the saves made on his shots and see his numbers could’ve been even better. Guy is talented and has come on leaps and bounds.
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I’ve watched Como play a few times, maybe 3 or 4 this season and I share your opinion of Paz, on top of everything you said, he’s first touch is clean, his body frame easily allows him to shield the ball also, and he’s on of the players I’m most excited to see at the WC. I’m sure he’ll be starting for Argentina.

Signing Rodri will impact both Paz/Guler though because it will mean Jude would primarily play the AM role.

Ideally we’d find a way to incorporate at least two of Jude, Guler, Paz into the starting 11 without pushing any of them out wide into unnatural positions.

natenate101 · May 21, 2026

Doni said: ↑

I’ve watched Como play a few times, maybe 3 or 4 this season and I share your opinion of Paz, on top of everything you said, he’s first touch is clean, his body frame easily allows him to shield the ball also, and he’s on of the players I’m most excited to see at the WC. I’m sure he’ll be starting for Argentina.

Signing Rodri will impact both Paz/Guler though because it will mean Jude would primarily play the AM role.

Ideally we’d find a way to incorporate at least two of Jude, Guler, Paz into the starting 11 without pushing any of them out wide into unnatural positions.
Click to expand...

Jude could play alongside Rodri against certain teams. And I definitely see Guler and Paz being shifted out right at times to make things work, for better or worse.

arcane · May 21, 2026

natenate101 said: ↑

I think you guys actually underestimate the success and level Paz found at Como. He was pretty phenomenal and has helped get them to challenging for a CL spot. Really was at the center of most good things that they created. Always looking forward when on the ball and not afraid to shoot when given even little space to do so. I saw so many shots of his narrowly miss or take a strong save to keep out.

Guler is a better passer but Paz isn’t a slouch. Paz easily the better scoring threat because he has a better shot and is willing to quickly pull the trigger.

12 G, 6 A for Paz this season
4 G, 9 A for Guler this season

Both great young players, not really the same style though they’ll be compared as such because of the playing time battle.

I don’t see how Rodri affects Paz really. If you’d watched Como you’d know he has moved up the pitch as the season went on, mostly playing as a RCM, AM, and SS/False 9. This is likely because of ability to score and put shots on frame, while also laying off through balls or lofted passes over the CBs.

The other thing is he was doing this against Serie A competition, and never looked overawed or out of place even against the big clubs like Inter and Juve. If anything his name was being called out all the time for making stuff happen.

I watched him a lot and I truly was impressed at the impact he had. You’d have to see some of the poor finishing from some of his passes and some of the saves made on his shots and see his numbers could’ve been even better. Guy is talented and has come on leaps and bounds.
Click to expand...

We'll see. I have a feeling he wouldn't play enough minutes to matter this season. Then there is also Jude. Who isn't much if he isn't played as a false 9. And Arda who thrives at AM.

It's a mess of a midfield and some names need to be shipped off.

Saeta Rubia · May 21, 2026

🚨 NEW: Real Madrid are NOT interested in Bernardo Silva.

He was offered last month but Real Madrid said NO. @jfelixdiaz pic.twitter.com/U60xv3g53H
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 21, 2026

🚨 At Valdebebas, they want a senior figure with José Mourinho to support the team and link the squad with the club.

Players and staff have often felt a LACK OF SUPPORT and distance from the board.

This gap is seen as a cause of internal tension, including the… pic.twitter.com/Pmes9n7Kif
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 21, 2026

🚨 A 'team manager' role is being considered at Real Madrid.

Its similar to Zidane's role under José Mourinho.

A sporting director is NOT being considered. @marca pic.twitter.com/CTt3Q7f6Tw
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 21, 2026

Aensensen · May 21, 2026

Saeta Rubia said: ↑

🚨 NEW: Real Madrid are NOT interested in Bernardo Silva.

He was offered last month but Real Madrid said NO. @jfelixdiaz pic.twitter.com/U60xv3g53H
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 21, 2026

🚨 At Valdebebas, they want a senior figure with José Mourinho to support the team and link the squad with the club.

Players and staff have often felt a LACK OF SUPPORT and distance from the board.

This gap is seen as a cause of internal tension, including the… pic.twitter.com/Pmes9n7Kif
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 21, 2026

🚨 A 'team manager' role is being considered at Real Madrid.

Its similar to Zidane's role under José Mourinho.

A sporting director is NOT being considered. @marca pic.twitter.com/CTt3Q7f6Tw
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 21, 2026

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Huh?

Players felt a lack of support from the board?

Is this an out of season April Fool's joke?

boeder · May 21, 2026

Aensensen said: ↑

Huh?

Players felt a lack of support from the board?

Is this an out of season April Fool's joke?
Click to expand...

Fede and Tchouameni fought because Perez and JAS were too busy to breastfeed them..

Zidane05 · May 21, 2026

Akramzizou said: ↑

If I was constructing this team, I would play Silva as an 8, Rodri as a 6 and Tchouameni as a 5. I like Nico and I think he is worthy of a spot here, but his competition is actually Jude, he is a very similar left footed version of him. Unless one of Jude or Nico can play false 9, I dont get how we would expect both on the same team.

Another plus for Silva is he can naturally play as a true RW, something we have been missing in this team for a very long time.
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Tchouameni is not a 5 though. And Silva wouldn't be free. He's going to be looking for minimum 2-3 year contract, and the signing fee is not going to be small.

Order of priority should be getting a proper 5, a distributor, and revamping the defense. Nico/Arda/Jude can cover RW/CAM. Camavinga/Thiago can be backups for the pivot roles. Your problem is figuring out what to do with Tchouameni and Fede because they absolutely do not fit in the midfield.