Real Madrid Keep or Dump:…

Real Madrid must undergo a transformation following a lackluster season that left them trailing Barcelona by eight points in LaLiga, resulting in the dismissal of manager Xabi Alonso in January and a second consecutive year without major silverware.

During his last term without substantial trophies, President Florentino Pérez resigned back in February 2006. This time, however, he opted for elections and secured a new mandate until 2030, albeit with a narrower margin of victory than expected, defeating Enrique Riquelme by approximately 30 percentage points.

An eventful summer is on the horizon, marked by pivotal decisions including selecting a new manager, renewing contracts, and pursuing potential signings. It’s hard to envision Real Madrid facing a third consecutive year without success.

Here, Alex Kirkland and Gab Marcotti take on the role of the club’s decision-makers and tackle the numerous challenges that Pérez and his board will need to address.

This is the seventh installment of this year’s Keep or Dump series, where we analyze the critical questions facing Premier League and Europe’s prominent clubs during the summer transfer window. Previous entries: Barcelona, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City.

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– The potential impact of Pérez’s next significant move for Real Madrid
– Real Madrid reveals home kit as they aim to end their trophy drought
– Is José Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid as coach truly surprising?

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1. With Pérez re-elected, is Mourinho set to return to the Bernabéu after 13 years? What steps should be taken to ensure success?

While Mourinho may not have been the initial choice, recognizing the positives of his return is essential now that he is back.

A gap of thirteen years is substantial; both Mourinho and Pérez have evolved since then, as his earlier tenure catalyzed a golden era for the club with subsequent successes under Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane.

It’s a bold move from Pérez, indicating his personal investment. This commitment ensures that Mourinho will initially have full backing from the president—something that perhaps Alonso or even Ancelotti lacked early on.

Mourinho’s ability to foster team cohesion and discipline has generally been commendable, especially after the issues from the last season.

Strategically, managing the Kylian Mbappé-Vinícius Júnior dynamic will be a complex task. In the worst-case scenario, Madrid could adopt a defensive approach, relying on these two to create scoring opportunities—a less appealing yet potentially stabilizing tactic.

2. Discussing Mbappé: Last season’s top scorer, yet doubts linger about whether he’s best utilized centrally. Should Mourinho be tougher with him?

We believe the club should adopt a firmer stance, as it sends a clear message. Under Pérez, Real Madrid has historically favored stars over coaches and tactics, but a lack of winning can adversely affect the performances of everyone, including lesser players.

The boos directed at Mbappé, despite his goal tally, suggest a disconnect that threatens his relationship with the fans.

It’s not just his on-field contributions that matter; his off-field demeanor and behavior also play a crucial role.

Much of the turbulence experienced last season might have been avoidable with better decisions from both him and his entourage.

3. Vinícius Júnior’s contract expires in June 2027. Pérez claims he wants him to remain indefinitely, dismissing rumors of excessive financial demands. But without a contract renewal, they risk losing him for nothing next summer. What is the strategy here?

Real Madrid must set a firm deadline regarding Vinícius’s situation. The two sides have been in discussions for months and need to take action. A charm offensive from Mourinho could help facilitate a contract offer.

A commitment by, say, August 1, should be established, after which the offer may be rescinded. If the extension fails, they might consider selling him this summer, especially if he impresses at the upcoming World Cup.

If Vinícius struggles in the tournament, he might be more inclined to accept an offer quickly. The club should also somewhat defer to Mourinho’s judgment on this issue—they cannot allow a scenario where he extends his contract while being a poor fit under Mourinho’s system.

4. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also enters free agency in June. At 34 years old, Madrid has historically offered one-year contract extensions. Is this approach still sensible?

Real Madrid seems comfortable with the situation. Courtois enjoys a good relationship with the club and could benefit from a strong, disciplined environment provided by Mourinho after the chaotic previous season. Given his impressive tenure, if he wishes to depart after this contract, he has earned that right.

However, it is anticipated that an extension will be offered as the season progresses.

5. Dani Ceballos and Thiago Pitarch are also a year away from free agency. Which players should receive contract extensions?

Sources inform that 18-year-old Pitarch will remain at the club after agreeing to a contract extension beyond next year.

Ceballos has caused more issues than his play warrants. Approaching 30, the club may not require an injury-prone backup at that age. If they cannot secure a transfer fee, allowing him to leave for free might be the best course of action.

6. Can we rely on Álvaro Carreras at left back? If so, what do we do about Ferland Mendy and Fran García? Are all three necessary?

This is a point of contention. Alex believes Carreras is “adequate,” while Gab feels he requires genuine competition. The dilemma is whether to invest in a quality alternative for Carreras (as Gab advocates), or merely a backup.

Both Mendy and García will be out of contract in 2027. García could yield a transfer fee, marking him as a flexible player without long-term potential. Mendy’s injuries and high wages render him nearly impossible to offload, suggesting the club might be stuck with him for now.

7. With Dani Carvajal departed, can Trent Alexander-Arnold prove himself as Madrid’s primary right back? Should they seek competition for him?

Alexander-Arnold had a challenging first season, with injuries impacting his performance. His versatility complicates his role, and his success depends on Mourinho’s tactical vision. Bringing someone in to compete against him would be wise. Pérez has mentioned introducing Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries, who brings a different skill set that can work alongside Alexander-Arnold.

8. In defense, Real Madrid has given Antonio Rüdiger another year. However, Éder Militão is injured again and out until October. Moreover, Raúl Asencio and Dean Huijsen struggled last season. Should they sign a center back?

Unfortunately, relying on Militão isn’t sustainable long-term. Rüdiger’s extension is justified for leadership and experience, but he cannot be the primary option. It’s premature to dismiss Huijsen, as his evident talent suggests he can improve under Mourinho’s guidance.

According to reports, Pérez may strike a deal for former Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konaté as a free agent. This type of acquisition aligns with the profile they should target, although he’s coming off a challenging season.

Opinions differ on Asencio; Alex feels he should be moved on (“his quality lacks commitment”), whereas Gab believes he can provide value as a secondary option, considering his versatility.

9. With tensions from last season lingering, can Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni coexist? Tchouaméni’s contract expires in 2028, while Valverde’s runs until 2029. Should the club trust them to work together, or consider moving Tchouaméni?

Alex supports keeping both players, noting Tchouaméni’s impressive prior season and Valverde’s elite talent. Gab raises doubts, suggesting that much depends on Mourinho’s expectations and proposing a possible two-year extension for Tchouaméni.

10. Eduardo Camavinga is 23, with a residual transfer value of about €12 million. Should the club consider selling him, given his inconsistent form?

Consulting with Mourinho is crucial here, but shifting Camavinga could yield a solid profit. His underwhelming performances, while frustrating, might still attract a fee around €50 million. Such funds could then be allocated to other pressing areas of need.

11. How does Jude Bellingham fit into the team’s plans?

Bellingham had a stellar debut season, but subsequent campaigns have seen injuries and performance issues create tactical challenges. This task falls to Mourinho, who must integrate Bellingham, Mbappé, and Vinícius effectively.

This upcoming season could define Bellingham’s trajectory at Madrid. Should struggles persist, a transfer next summer may be necessary—especially given the declining residual value that will drop to around €30 million.

Current evaluations of Bellingham cannot proceed until clarifying Vinícius’s future. If Vinícius departs, Mbappé can return to the left wing, allowing Bellingham to take a more advanced position. If both players remain, securing Bellingham’s role in midfield will be imperative, although his intelligence suggests he can adapt to the team’s needs.

12. After Rodrygo’s serious injury, what strategies does Madrid have for the right wing? Should they rely on players like Brahim Díaz or Franco Mastantuono? Should decisions need to be made in this area?

The strategy hinges on Mourinho’s preferred formation. In a two-striker setup, a right-wing role becomes moot, allowing Díaz to serve as an impact substitute and likely loaning out Mastantuono.

In a three-forward structure, Díaz or potentially Güler may take on the right side, even moving Valverde into that position. Ultimately, the priority is for Mastantuono to gain match experience on loan this season.

For Rodrygo, the focus should be on recovery, with no immediate decisions necessary until he regains fitness.

13. Should Madrid seek a traditional center forward? Is investing in a new player necessary, or can they rely on Endrick, who scored five goals in 16 league games for Lyon, to compete in training?

Unless Vinícius is moved, resulting in Mbappé occupying the left wing, focus centers on the backup center forward position. Here, opinions diverge: Alex believes Endrick is ready and that García should be sold, while Gab suggests that Endrick’s development is not yet complete, advocating for Mourinho’s discretion in making the final decision.

14. With Nico Paz and Víctor Muñoz emerging as standout talents in Serie A and LaLiga, respectively, what should Madrid do with these players considering their potential signings?

Paz should be brought back immediately. His strong performances and versatility make him a valuable asset, ready to compete for a spot in the squad.

Muñoz is exceptional, although the squad’s current needs don’t demand another left winger. Continuous monitoring of his development is essential, as that need may change in the future.

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Conclusion

Real Madrid possesses significant talent across all positions, which is encouraging. However, their ability to synergize effectively is in question, compounded by uncertainties regarding Mourinho’s fit for the rebuilding process and the essential rebuilding of trust with fans and egos within the team.

Mourinho had a brilliant start but faced challenges later in his tenure. Preventing a repeat of that collapse is critical, recognizing that circumstances and individuals have changed.

The club needs to shore up their defensive lineup, with reports indicating the acquisition of two established veterans like Dumfries and Konaté—a positive step forward. Transferring Camavinga could fund such acquisitions and allow for further enhancements, potentially in the left-back area.

Ultimately, the focus remains on Vinícius and his future, as this will have lasting repercussions on the squad’s direction for years to come.