Back to News
TransferAugust 12, 2026

Mourinho plans further squad reductions at Real Madrid

José Mourinho has revealed that he wants to reduce Real Madrid's squad, which currently numbers 26 players, to his preferred size of 20. Despite the high expenditure in the transfer market, he aims for versatility and a balanced team atmosphere.

Mourinho plans further squad reductions at Real Madrid

Mourinho plans further squad reductions at Real Madrid

According to Sports.

Background

José Mourinho is aiming to reduce the size of his squad at Real Madrid in order to optimize team dynamics. Players like Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo are currently injured, which makes squad planning even more difficult. However, with new additions like Yan Diomande and Bernardo Silva, the coach has the opportunity to form a versatile team.

Why this is important

José Mourinho's squad reduction at Real Madrid is crucial to achieve a better team atmosphere and more versatility. With a smaller squad, Mourinho can focus more on his players' strengths, particularly the flexibility of new signings such as Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva. This could ultimately improve the team's performance in the current season.

Key findings

  • Mourinho plans further squad reductions at Real Madrid.
  • José Mourinho has revealed that he wants to reduce Real Madrid's squad, which currently numbers 26 players, to his preferred size of 20.
  • Mourinho wants to make three more cuts to the Real Madrid squad – report.
Jose Mourinho, the Real Madrid manager, has announced that he plans to further reduce the club's squad despite the summer transfer market still being open. He currently has 26 players at his disposal, but Mourinho is aiming for an optimal squad size of 20 players, including those who are injured. After the last game in Budapest, the coach made it clear: “I want a short squad with 20 players plus the currently injured players.” The 26 players also include three long-term injuries: Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo. This means Mourinho will have to give up three players to achieve his goal. Real Madrid have invested heavily in new players this summer, spending a total of €225 million on six new signings: Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva and Carlos Espi. Although the club also wanted to sign Rodri from Manchester City, the midfielder decided to move to Barcelona. At the moment, Madrid are not expected to look again in the transfer market for another midfielder. However, there is a possibility that another centre-back could be signed if Raul Asencio receives a good offer and is willing to move. The academy player has so far emphasized that he wants to stay. Mourinho believes he can work with a smaller group as many of his players are versatile. Players like Arda Guler and Bernardo Silva can operate in various positions in attack and midfield. Jude Bellingham also shows similar flexibility, while Mourinho has also tested Dumfries in an attacking role. Image The coach wants to prevent players who have little prospect of regular appearances from being in the squad, as this can have a negative impact on the atmosphere in training. Therefore, Real Madrid also wants to generate income from the sale of Eduardo Camavinga. However, no significant offer has been received for the French midfielder so far. Camavinga has signaled that he would like to stay at the Santiago Bernabéu, but an offer from a top club could change the situation. Another player whose future was uncertain is Endrick. However, Mourinho has blocked a planned loan move and wants the Brazilian to stay. This draws the focus to Mendy, whose left-back position is overfilled. Mourinho has little faith in Mendy due to his injury history. The club also wants to clarify this situation, but Mendy has no plans to leave the club. Another player Real Madrid have on their radar is Asencio. The academy player believes he can convince Mourinho to be part of the coach's project and has been working hard on it during preparation. However, his plans were disrupted by a rectus femoris injury that is expected to keep him out of action for six weeks. This violation makes it difficult for potential buyers to make an offer. Overall, there is an overhang in some areas and Real Madrid would like to further optimize the squad structure. However, there is also a real possibility that none of the players will leave the club.

What happens next

Mourinho will now work to cut three players from the current squad to reach his target of 20 players. The Raul Asencio situation could be crucial as a central defender move could make room for another new signing. Meanwhile, it remains to be seen whether Real Madrid will become active in the transfer market, especially in defense.

Frequently asked questions

What does José Mourinho plan to do with the Real Madrid squad?

José Mourinho plans to further reduce Real Madrid's squad to reach an optimal size of 20 players.

How many players are Mourinho currently available?

José Mourinho currently has 26 players available.

Why does Mourinho want to reduce the size of the squad?

Mourinho wants a shorter squad in order to be able to work more effectively with a smaller group, as many players are versatile.

Who are the injured players in the squad?

The injured players in the squad are Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo.

What transfers did Real Madrid make this summer?

Real Madrid spent a total of 225 million euros on six new signings this summer ben, including Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva and Carlos Espi.

Related articles

Häufig gestellte Fragen

What does Jose Mourinho plan to do with the Real Madrid squad?
José Mourinho plans to further reduce Real Madrid's squad to reach an optimal size of 20 players.
How many players are Mourinho currently available?
José Mourinho currently has 26 players at his disposal.
Why does Mourinho want to reduce the squad?
Mourinho wants a shorter squad to be able to work more effectively with a smaller group, as many players are versatile.
Who are the injured players in the squad?
The injured players in the squad are Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy and Rodrygo.
What transfers have Real Madrid made this summer?
Real Madrid spent a total of €225 million on six new signings this summer, including Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konate, Bernardo Silva and Carlos Espi.
What happened in this story?
Mourinho plans further squad downsizing at Real Madrid summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.