Real Madrid fans back Bastoni move as transfer window enters final hours

Real Madrid supporters have called on president Florentino Perez to complete one final summer signing, with Alessandro Bastoni emerging as their preferred defensive target despite manager Jose Mourinho insisting the club does not expect any further arrivals or departures.

A poll conducted by Spanish outlet Defensa Central found that a large majority of fans believe Real Madrid need additional cover in defence. Readers were asked: “Should Florentino sign Bastoni in the final hours of the transfer window?”

The “yes” option received 77% of the votes, while 23% chose “no”. The result indicates strong support for Real Madrid adding another central defender, with Bastoni regarded by many fans as the ideal candidate.

The Inter Milan defender is valued at €65m and sits at the top of the supporters’ list of preferred late-window signings. Their backing for the move comes despite Mourinho publicly stating that Real Madrid’s transfer business is closed, both in terms of players joining and those leaving the club.

The poll’s outcome is not entirely unexpected. Although Mourinho’s side could benefit from an outstanding midfielder capable of creating chances, the defence has been the area most severely affected by injuries in recent years.

Antonio Rudiger, whose contract runs until June 2027, is no longer considered to have the same level of physical readiness he showed in previous seasons. Eder Militao, meanwhile, is still recovering from his latest problem.

Those circumstances have created a significant problem for Real Madrid’s management, particularly if the club is required to cope with further defensive absences during the campaign. For supporters, the situation has strengthened the case for making one more addition before the market closes.

However, Real Madrid currently have no vacant places in their squad. The only available route would be the departure of Raul Asencio, who understands that he is not part of Mourinho’s plans but has chosen to remain at the club.

That restriction makes any late deal difficult, even with Bastoni attracting substantial support from the fanbase. The Italian defender’s reported €65m valuation would also represent a major commitment at the end of the summer window.

Mourinho’s position remains that Real Madrid will not make any further changes to their squad. Nevertheless, the Defensa Central survey makes clear that many supporters believe the team still requires one final defensive signing, and Bastoni is the player they most want to see arrive.

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