Mourinho targets new centre-back and midfielder at Real Madrid with ‘plan B’ striker under review

Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has drawn up his transfer priorities for the summer, focusing on signing a new centre-back and a midfielder, while also keeping open the option of recruiting a back-up centre forward in the style of Joselu.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, Mourinho’s main objective is to reinforce the spine of his squad with an additional central defender and a midfielder who can both cover ground and create play. These two positions are regarded as the key areas for strengthening ahead of the new season.

However, AS reports that Mourinho has not ruled out moving for a traditional number nine, similar in profile to Joselu, as a contingency option when matches become difficult to unlock. While this role is not high on his list compared with defence and midfield, it remains under serious consideration as a tactical alternative.

Role model: Joselu’s impact off the bench

Mourinho’s concept is to find a striker capable of replicating the impact Joselu had for Real Madrid in the 2023-24 campaign, when he delivered significant numbers despite largely operating as a substitute.

Across that season, Joselu scored 18 goals and contributed three assists in all competitions, often coming off the bench to influence games. His most memorable intervention came in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu.

On that night, with Real Madrid facing elimination, Joselu struck twice in the space of nine minutes, turning the tie on its head and sending the Spanish side through to the final. Real Madrid went on to lift their 15th European Cup, with Joselu’s late brace widely seen as a decisive moment in the club’s campaign.

Mourinho is understood to be seeking a forward who can accept a similar squad role: not a guaranteed starter, but a reliable, penalty-area presence who offers a direct threat and a different tactical option when Real Madrid require a change in approach.

No conflict with Endrick plans

The potential arrival of a reserve striker would not alter Mourinho’s plans for Endrick, who is due to be part of the first-team set-up next season. The Brazilian is expected to feature prominently in Mourinho’s thinking.

Endrick’s ability to operate both as a central striker and from the right wing is viewed as an asset, giving Mourinho flexibility in how he deploys the teenager across the front line. Any new number nine would be seen as complementing, rather than blocking, Endrick’s development and involvement.

Defensive and midfield additions remain the priority

Despite the interest in adding a back-up attacker, Mourinho’s clearest demands for the transfer window remain at the back and in midfield.

Real Madrid are looking for an extra centre-back to bolster their defensive options and increase competition for places over a long season. At the same time, the club are expected to pursue a midfielder who combines high work-rate with playmaking ability, someone capable of covering large areas of the pitch while also contributing to the team’s build-up and chance creation.

Within this framework, the idea of signing a classic number nine is being treated as a secondary but potentially important component of Mourinho’s overall squad planning: an additional resource to provide variety, late-game solutions and a defined “plan B” across the campaign.