Jose Mourinho (foto: Getty Images)
José Mourinho wants to trim Real Madrid's squad after €225m of summer spending, with Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy and Raúl Asencio among the players facing uncertain futures.
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José Mourinho is continuing to reshape Real Madrid according to his vision. After an expensive summer focused primarily on arrivals, attention at the Santiago Bernabéu is now turning towards departures.
The Portuguese coach has already publicly revealed exactly what he wants.
"I want a small squad, 20 players plus those who are currently injured," Mourinho said after Real Madrid's friendly match in Budapest.
That immediately creates an interesting problem.
Real Madrid currently have 26 players following the decision to keep Thiago Pitarch with the senior squad.
According to Spanish newspaper AS, Eduardo Camavinga, Ferland Mendy and Raúl Asencio are currently among the biggest question marks as Mourinho prepares to reduce his squad.
Real Madrid spent €225m this summer
Mourinho has received significant backing since returning to Madrid.
Real have invested approximately €225 million in new players, significantly changing the composition of the squad.
Yan Diomande, Marc Cucurella, Denzel Dumfries, Ibrahima Konaté, Bernardo Silva and Carlos Espí have all arrived during an aggressive summer transfer window.
Real also wanted Spanish midfielder Rodri, but he ultimately opted for Barcelona.
Madrid are therefore not expected to pursue another midfielder at any cost, particularly because Mourinho believes his current squad already offers considerable tactical flexibility.
Arda Güler, Bernardo Silva and Jude Bellingham are capable of performing several roles, while Mourinho has also experimented with Dumfries in different positions during pre-season.
That versatility allows the Portuguese coach to work with the smaller squad he prefers.
Camavinga is the biggest question
Of all the players whose futures are uncertain, Eduardo Camavinga represents the most interesting case.
Real Madrid are not actively trying to sell the French international, but according to AS, the club would consider a sufficiently attractive offer.
No concrete proposal has arrived so far.
Camavinga himself has also shown no desire to leave the Santiago Bernabéu.
Importantly, Mourinho has reportedly been satisfied with both his attitude and his performances during pre-season.
This means Real are not pushing the midfielder towards the exit. Their position is primarily financial: if a major offer arrives, they are prepared to discuss it.
Without such an offer, Camavinga is expected to continue fighting for his place.
Mendy does not want to leave
The situation surrounding Ferland Mendy is different.
Real Madrid are well covered on the left side of defence, while Mendy's repeated injury problems have significantly affected his status.
The Frenchman is currently among the players recovering from a long-term injury, alongside Éder Militão and Rodrygo.
Madrid would reportedly be prepared to sanction Mendy's departure before the transfer window closes.
There is one major obstacle.
Mendy has shown no interest in leaving.
The defender is prepared to remain in Madrid and fight for his position despite increased competition and Mourinho's desire to reduce the squad.
Asencio wants to convince Mourinho
Raúl Asencio faces another complicated situation.
The defender believes he is capable of earning a place in Mourinho's squad and does not want to give up on his Real Madrid career.
His immediate problem is physical.
Asencio is currently recovering from a muscle injury that is expected to keep him sidelined for approximately six weeks.
That absence could complicate any potential transfer because interested clubs would be signing a player who is not immediately available.
Mourinho therefore has several difficult decisions ahead.
Real have invested heavily, increased competition throughout the squad and now need to reduce numbers before the market closes.
Mourinho wants approximately 20 players. Real currently have 26. Camavinga could leave for the right price; Madrid are prepared to sell Mendy, and Asencio wants to stay and fight. The final weeks of the transfer window could therefore be almost as busy at the Bernabéu as the beginning.