Mourinho draws up Real Madrid transfer wishlist with ‘Plan B’ striker to mirror Joselu impact

Jose Mourinho has made strengthening the spine of his Real Madrid side his main priority this summer, while also keeping open the option of signing a classic number nine to replicate the decisive impact Joselu had last season.

According to Spanish newspaper AS, the new Real Madrid head coach is focused first on recruiting an additional centre-back and a central midfielder, but has not ruled out moving for an out-and-out striker if the right opportunity arises.

The report says Mourinho is considering a traditional penalty-box forward in the mould of Joselu, as a contingency option – a “plan B” – for matches that become tight or difficult to unlock, even though that role is not at the top of his current list.

Joselu’s decisive role as the template

Mourinho’s thinking is shaped by the way Joselu contributed for Real Madrid during the 2023-24 campaign, when the Spain international became one of the key figures in their Champions League triumph despite largely operating as a substitute.

Joselu scored 18 goals and provided three assists in all competitions last season, often coming off the bench to change the dynamic of games. His most memorable contribution came in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu.

On that night, Joselu struck twice in the space of nine minutes late in the match, turning the tie on its head and sending Real Madrid through to the final. His brace proved crucial in paving the way for the club to secure a record-extending 15th European Cup.

Mourinho is understood to want a comparable profile of striker available to him – a specialist centre-forward who can be introduced as an alternative tactical option when Real Madrid are struggling to break opponents down.

No conflict with Endrick plans

The potential arrival of a back-up number nine would not alter Mourinho’s plans for Endrick, who is set to join up with Real Madrid ahead of the new season and features prominently in the coach’s thinking.

Mourinho intends to rely on the Brazilian teenager in his first campaign at the Bernabeu, with Endrick viewed as a flexible attacking option. The 18-year-old is capable of operating as a central striker or from the right wing, giving Mourinho additional variety in his front line.

AS reports that this versatility means signing a more traditional centre-forward would be seen as a complementary move rather than a direct challenge to Endrick’s role, offering the coaching staff an extra tactical solution across a long season.

Core priorities: defence and midfield

Despite the ongoing discussion over a possible striker, Mourinho’s clearest priorities remain in defence and midfield.

Real Madrid are looking to bring in another central defender to bolster their options at the back, reflecting Mourinho’s long-standing preference for depth and competition in that area of the pitch.

In midfield, the Portuguese coach is targeting a player with the ability both to cover ground and to act as a creative hub. AS describes the ideal signing as someone capable of influencing play across the pitch while also contributing to build-up and chance creation.

For now, those two positions – centre-back and central midfielder – are at the forefront of Real Madrid’s transfer strategy under Mourinho. The pursuit of a specialist number nine, while not urgent, stays on the table as a way to provide an extra attacking weapon and a clear “plan B” over the course of the upcoming season.