Jose Mourinho has been incredibly active in the transfer market and the new Real Madrid boss wants Enzo Fernandez – but may have to sanction an exit beforehand
Jose Mourinho wants to add a new midfielder to his Real Madrid ranks and has his sights firmly set on Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez.
The Argentine has publicly flirted with a move to the Spanish capital, talking up Madrid as a place to live and refusing to commit himself to the Blues. That saw him suspended for a period last season by then manager Liam Rosenior.
Fernandez cost Chelsea £106million when he moved to Stamford Bridge in the aftermath of the last World Cup and has continued to showcase his quality in west London. But the lure of Real could prove too strong and ESPN understands that Mourinho has marked him out as a top target.
If the Spanish giants are to strike a deal then they’re likely going to need to offload members of their current squad. They have put any more midfield arrivals on hold until they sanction a sale and Eduardo Camavinga could be a big-name exit.
Los Blancos confirmed Dani Ceballos’ exit on Friday and the Frenchman could follow with several English sides keen, but Camavinga himself would like to remain, which could complicate the situation.
Real are also weighing up what to do with Aurelien Tchouameni, who is highly thought of by clubs in England including Manchester United. The club would not rule out his departure if a significant offer were made, but he is seen as the only specialist holding midfielder in the squad, which may lead to him remaining.
The Special One has spent the early weeks of his second coming in Madrid raiding clubs in England to bolster his ranks. Already Los Blancos have done business with the Blues, spending £51m to sign Marc Cucurella as part of a defensive rebuild.
Cucurella has talked up a move for Fernandez and told Spanish newspaper Marca: “He’s a great player and a friend of mine. He congratulated me on the signing,” Cucurella said. “I hope it happens. I would be very happy.
“We were very happy at Chelsea, and to have the opportunity to both sign for Real Madrid in the same summer… I hope he’s lucky and becomes a Real Madrid player.”
Ibrahima Konate couldn’t agree a new deal at Liverpool and Bernardo Silva allowed his Manchester City contract to run down. It meant both men were available on free transfers and they will head to the Bernabeu. Dutchman Denzel Dumfries will arrive to add quality at right-back.
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