Real Madrid Pursues Bastoni as Mourinho's Rebuild Intensifies

Preseason starts in a week at Valdebebas, yet Jose Mourinho still does not know exactly which players will walk into his first Real Madrid training session. The departures have begun, the rebuild is underway, but the squad remains unfinished.

The club has already said its goodbyes to Dani Ceballos, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, three dressing-room fixtures from very different eras of Madrid’s modern history. Those exits clear space and salary, but not enough. Not for what Mourinho wants.

He has asked for more. Specifically, a centre-back and a midfielder to complete the spine of his new team, even after four signings have already been secured. The midfield search has become complicated: options such as Matues Fernandes and Enzo Fernandez are no longer on the table, and the preferred target for that role is still not defined.

At the back, though, the picture is far clearer.

Bastoni at the top of the list

Alessandro Bastoni has emerged as the chosen man for the heart of Madrid’s defence. A left-footed centre-back, in his prime years, with the profile the club have been chasing to balance a back line heavy with right-footers.

According to reporting from SPORT, via journalist Fabio Gatto, Real Madrid plan to move this week. The intention is to contact Inter Milan, sound out their stance on a sale and establish a starting price for negotiations. The idea in the offices at Valdebebas is simple: act quickly, close the deal if possible, and hand Mourinho the defender before the season’s work truly begins.

The timing is not accidental. Bastoni has already sent a message of his own.

He recently turned down a contract renewal proposal from Inter that included a pay rise, a clear indication that he is open to a change of scenery and has set his sights on playing for Real Madrid. Inter, newly crowned Serie A champions, are expected to value him at around €65 million – a figure that reflects both his quality and his importance to their recent success.

Space required in a crowded backline

For Madrid, Bastoni is more than a luxury signing. He fits a specific tactical need: a natural left-footer to complement the existing pool of right-sided centre-backs and offer Mourinho greater flexibility in build-up and defensive structure.

But there is a problem. Numbers.

The club currently count 11 players across their defensive positions, an inflated backline for a squad that still has business to do in other areas. To bring Bastoni in, Madrid must first clear a path. Internally, they are already working on exits for at least one centre-back and one left-back.

Fran Garcia and Raul Asencio are viewed as the leading candidates to move on this summer, potential sacrifices to reshape the unit and make room – financially and sportingly – for a signing of Bastoni’s stature.

One week to preseason. A coach demanding clarity. A defender in Italy waiting for the door to open.

Madrid know the clock is ticking.