News Focus
- Jose Mourinho returns to Real Madrid after 13 years and will control summer transfers
- Mourinho wants Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni to strengthen the centre-back position
- Barcelona had targeted Bastoni for months, but the deal is now unlikely to happen
- Real Madrid also want Manchester City midfielder Rodri Hernandez
- David Alaba’s exit leaves Real Madrid short of left-sided centre-backs
Real Madrid are preparing for the summer transfer window. This will be the first time in 13 years that Jose Mourinho leads the club. The Portuguese manager will choose which players to buy. He already has some names in mind for the team he takes over from Alvaro Arbeloa.
The club wants better players in defence and midfield. These positions have been weak in recent seasons. For the midfield, Mourinho wants Rodri Hernandez. The Spain international currently plays for Manchester City.
La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Mourinho also wants Alessandro Bastoni. The Italian newspaper says the coach likes the Inter Milan defender. Barcelona wanted Bastoni for many months. Now that deal looks unlikely. Real Madrid might try to sign him instead.
Bastoni really wanted to join Barcelona. However, there has been no progress with Inter Milan recently. Now he accepts that his dream move may not happen. But he might still move to Spain. A transfer to Real Madrid would interest him.
Real Madrid need a left-sided centre-back. David Alaba is leaving this summer. Dean Huijsen is the only other defender for that role. However, Huijsen can also play on the right side.
Bastoni would be a great choice for this position. He would fit well into Mourinho’s defence. However, we do not know yet if Real Madrid will actually make an offer.