Real Madrid focus on trimming 27-member squad before making new signings | OneFootball

Real Madrid have been extremely active in these early stages of the summer transfer window, signing the likes of Denzel Dumfries, Marc Cucurella, Bernardo Silva and Ibrahima Konate.

Their squad has now reached the point where departures are no longer just desirable; they are necessary.

Jose Mourinho’s squad is currently overloaded, and the club know they must reduce numbers before pushing ahead with more signings.

According to AS, Real Madrid currently have 27 first-team players, including Denzel Dumfries, and that number could rise to 28 if Thiago Pitarch is added.

The situation is tight enough that one new signing may need to be registered with Castilla, while another would have to take the No. 25 slot. That is not sustainable for a club trying to build a serious, competitive dressing room.

Mourinho wants to evaluate certain players in person before final decisions are made, but Madrid are already listening to offers.

Defence and midfield under review

In defence, Raul Asencio and Fran Garcia are two of the clearest names on the table.

Asencio’s path has become complicated because Madrid already have Eder Militao, Ibrahima Konate, Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rudiger, while the club are still working on another centre-back.

Asencio is seen as expendable. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

Fran Garcia’s case is even clearer. With Marc Cucurella signed and Alvaro Carreras considered untouchable, his spot has disappeared.

Betis and Bournemouth have already shown interest, but Real Madrid will not simply give him away without the right offer.

The midfield situation is bigger. Aurelien Tchouameni, Eduardo Camavinga and Dani Ceballos are all in different types of exit discussions.

Tchouameni would only leave for a significant fee. Camavinga’s door is slightly more open, but Madrid do not want to sell him cheaply.

Ceballos, meanwhile, is more about clearing space in the squad than raising major money, and Mourinho does not count on him.

Mourinho wants clarity up front too

In attack, Franco Mastantuono, Brahim Diaz and Gonzalo Garcia are the names to watch.

Mastantuono could leave on loan, but not permanently, because Madrid still believe in his future.

Mastantuono could leave on loan. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Brahim wants to stay and has made that clear. Madrid are not treating him as untouchable, but only a very strong offer would change the situation.

Gonzalo is the most interesting case. He looked set to leave, but Mourinho has stopped the process because he wants to assess him personally.

With Mbappe and Endrick ahead of him, minutes will be difficult, but the coach wants a closer look before giving final approval.

This is good squad management. Madrid have already strengthened aggressively, but a great squad is not built only through arrivals. It is also built through constant pruning.

The next phase of the summer is now obvious.

Asencio, Fran Garcia, Tchouameni, Camavinga, Ceballos, Mastantuono, Brahim and Gonzalo are all exit candidates, and it remains to be seen how many names end up leaving the club in the next few weeks.