Real Madrid: José Mourinho reacts after the failed Rodri deal

The Portuguese coach will not demand an additional midfielder despite the Spanish captain’s change of heart

Europe Today at 07:00

Add Foot Africa on Google

Real Madrid: José Mourinho reacts after the failed Rodri deal

Rodri ultimately chose FC Barcelona, but José Mourinho believes Real Madrid already has the necessary solutions in its squad.

Rodri was close to joining Los Blancos, but changed his mind at the last moment. A contract agreement with Real Madrid had already been announced, with a four-year deal reportedly in place. The Spain captain, and the best player at the 2026 World Cup, ultimately gave priority to FC Barcelona.

The Catalans still need to reach an agreement with Manchester City, who are said to be demanding up to €80 million. Barça is preparing an offer of €60 million, including €15 million in bonuses, to lure the Premier League midfielder.

Mourinho not asking for another midfielder

According to AS, José Mourinho was kept informed of every development in the negotiations and did not dramatize the failure to sign Rodri. The Portuguese manager feels he already has options in his squad to fill the holding midfield role.

El Mundo confirms that Real Madrid will not look for another midfielder. Mourinho is reportedly satisfied with his options, especially Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, and Federico Valverde. The club has accepted Rodri’s decision and closed the file without planning an alternative in La Liga.

A €200 million transfer window

Madrid has signed Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konaté on free transfers, Denzel Dumfries for €20 million, Marc Cucurella for €55 million, and Yan Diomandé for around €125 million excluding bonuses. The total outlay is about €200 million, potentially rising to €215 million with Diomandé’s bonuses.

The sales of Nico Paz, Gonzalo García, César Palacios, Fran García, and Mario Martín have brought in around €117.5 million. The provisional deficit therefore stands at €82.5 million excluding bonuses, not counting revenue from clauses on former academy players.