Four stars who Mourinho and Real Madrid want to sell and their stance on potential exits | OneFootball

With Jose Mourinho taking over the reins, Real Madrid are overseeing a major squad overhaul this summer.

As many as four new signings have already been secured in the form of Ibrahima Konate, Denzel Dumfries, Bernardo Silva, and Marc Cucurella, although only the Spanish left-back has been announced officially so far.

More incomings are expected, and for that to happen, Los Blancos will need to create room in their squad with some departures.

After all, the Real Madrid squad currently has 27 players, includings Franco Mastantuono who was registered with the reserve team. But La Liga regulations allow for 25 players’ registration.

In that regard, Mario Cortegana of The Athletic reports that both Mourinho and Real Madrid have drawn up a list of four players who they are ready to sell in the summer.

Raul Asencio

Raul Asencio does not wish to leave. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

The La Fabrica graduate endured a difficult season in 2025/26 and even endured a falling-out with former manager Alvaro Arbeloa. It gave way to speculations over his future at the club, especially with Los Blancos looking to rope in another centre-back.

Mourinho and Real Madrid are said to be open to his departure. But Asencio, who has already signed a new contract with the club until 2031, does not wish to leave.

Moreover, those close to him suggest that the Spanish defender feels the confidence of the club in him, and as such, he is looking forward to the new season under Mourinho.

Ferland Mendy

Ferland Mendy is currently injured. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the signing of Marc Cucurella has now made the departure of at least one left-back a necessity at the Real Madrid. And, both the club and Mourinho see Ferland Mendy as an expendable player.

However, the fact that he is currently injured and will not be able to return to action until at least October makes a summer exit difficult.

Furthermore, the Frenchman’s entourage point to his contract, which runs until 2028, and remain confident he can win his place back in the team under Mourinho.

Fran Garcia

Fran Garcia set to depart. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

It leaves Fran Garcia as the likeliest candidate to leave Real Madrid this summer to free up space at left-back.

The Spanish defender came close to a departure in January, when he almost signed for Bournemouth. Now, given the situation in his position, the former Rayo Vallecano ace is weighing his options as he considers a departure.

There is interest from La Liga club Real Betis, while teams in the Premier League and other top European leagues have also shown interest in Garcia.

Dani Ceballos

Dani Ceballos wishes to leave for free. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Finally, the last player that Mourinho and Real Madrid want to sell is Dani Ceballos, who has been out of favour at the club for a while now.

Unlike some of the players on the list, the Spanish midfielder is very much open to the idea of a departure this summer in search of regular game-time.

However, Ceballos is angling for a free-transfer exit, given his contract expires in 2027, whereas Real Madrid wish to receive compensation for his sale, with Real Betis once again linked.