Mourinho weighs three Real Madrid exits as 26-man squad creates selection dilemma

Jose Mourinho is facing a squad-management problem at Real Madrid, with 26 first-team players competing for places in a group he wants to limit to 20, plus three long-term injured players – Eder Militao, Rodrygo and Ferland Mendy.

That leaves the Portuguese manager with three players more than he considers necessary, even when the injured trio are included in the overall calculation.

Mourinho made his preference clear after the match in Budapest, saying: “I want a small squad, consisting of 20 players plus the injured.” The number of available first-team players has now risen to 26 following confirmation that Tiago Pitarch will remain with the senior squad.

Despite the constraints of the current transfer window, Mourinho appears broadly satisfied with the group at his disposal. The expectation is that only a small number of players could leave before the market closes.

Real Madrid have spent 225m euros on six signings to address the manager’s requirements: Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva and Carlos Espi.

Rodri had been expected to be the headline addition, but the Manchester City midfielder left the club at a crucial point. Real Madrid do not currently have plans to return to the transfer market for another midfielder.

A new central defender could become a possibility if the club receives a strong offer for Asensio and the Real Madrid academy graduate agrees to depart. Asensio has repeatedly said he wants to remain at the club, however.

Mourinho is attempting to make use of players who can operate in several positions. Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva can both play across the attacking line and also feature in midfield, while the same flexibility applies to Jude Bellingham.

The manager is concerned that keeping players who are unlikely to receive significant playing time could create tension within the dressing room. Avoiding that situation is one of his priorities.

Real Madrid would still like to sell Eduardo Camavinga, although the club has not received any serious offers for the France international during the current summer transfer window. Camavinga has hinted that he would prefer to stay, but his position could change if a major club makes an approach.

If a suitable bid arrives, Real Madrid would be willing to sanction his departure. Mourinho has been impressed by Camavinga’s performances during pre-season and has also praised his commitment in training.

Endrick’s situation was considered more delicate, but the club has abandoned plans to loan him out at Mourinho’s request, according to Spanish newspaper AS. Attention has therefore shifted to Mendy, with three players currently available for the left-back position.

Real Madrid are looking for a solution to Mendy’s situation, although AS reports that the defender does not intend to leave at present.

The club is also waiting for offers for Asensio, who remains convinced he can show Mourinho that he belongs in the manager’s plans. The academy graduate worked hard during pre-season before suffering a muscle injury to his quadriceps.

That injury is expected to keep Asensio out of training at Valdebebas for six weeks, making it more difficult for him to attract serious bids during the remainder of the transfer window.

Mourinho’s intended structure is to have two players for every position, but there are currently excess numbers in several areas. Centre-back is one of them until Militao returns, although the timing of his recovery remains uncertain. Left-back is another, with Mendy regarded as a difficult case to rely on.

There is also an abundance of options on the right wing, particularly because Bernardo Silva can cover multiple roles, including in midfield. The centre-forward position is similarly well stocked.

Real Madrid would view the departures of any of those surplus players positively. However, if suitable offers fail to arrive, they are likely to remain with the squad.

The foundations of Mourinho’s group have already been put in place. The remaining task is to settle the futures of the players considered surplus before the transfer window closes.