Real Madrid identify four untouchable stars as squad planning continues | OneFootball

Real Madrid have important decisions to take from a squad-planning perspective, with sales likely to be considered in the coming weeks.

According to journalist Jorge C. Picon, Los Blancos have established a clear group of untouchable players as they continue shaping the squad for the new season, with only four names considered completely off limits in the transfer market.

The club view Thibaut Courtois, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe as their only truly non-transferable players.

Four players at the heart of Madrid’s project

It is clear that Los Blancos believe these four stars form the foundation of their long-term sporting project.

Courtois remains one of the world’s elite goalkeepers and continues to provide leadership from the back.

One of the untouchables. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Valverde’s versatility, intensity and consistency have made him indispensable, while Bellingham has quickly become one of the team’s defining figures in midfield.

Mbappe, meanwhile, is naturally seen as the centrepiece of Madrid’s attack and the player expected to lead the club for years to come.

Interestingly, Vinicius Jr., whose contract expires in 2027, is not counted as an untouchable.

Clear message for the rest of the squad

Setting the squad hierarchy in stone is a way of sending a clear message to the rest of the squad.

Being excluded from the “untouchable” category does not necessarily mean a player is available for transfer.

Instead, it reflects the club’s willingness to at least consider exceptional offers or make difficult decisions if they believe it strengthens the team.

Players like Gonzalo Garcia, Raul Asencio and Franco Mastantuono are considered likely exit candidates, either on loan or on permanent transfer.

Key pillars of Mourinho’s Real Madrid. (Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Merit over reputation

What stands out most is that Real Madrid’s untouchable list is based on current importance rather than reputation alone.

Valverde and Bellingham have earned their status through consistent performances, while Courtois continues to be one of the club’s most reliable match winners.

Mbappe, meanwhile, is one of the best players in the world at the moment and had an incredible 2025-26 season.

Madrid are right not to consider any offers for these players, and it remains to be seen what other difficult decisions they are forced to take to prune the squad in the coming weeks.